Lipscomb’s dance company Foundation Dance Theatre (FDT) presented the first of three “Elevate” performances Friday night in Shamblin Theatre.
FDT provides an artistic outlet for students of all majors and backgrounds. The foundation’s main goal is to provide an on-campus way for students tell stories through movement and grow in the art of dance, whether he or she is a beginner or an experienced dancer.
The show features performances by both company and theater students as well as professional dancers. Styles include jazz, ballet, modern and tap.
“For me, it was really exciting to come to college and still be able to dance,” freshman Peggy Miller said. “There’s a really good sense of community in being able to do something you love with really good professors and at the same time grow a lot as an artist. It was so much better than I expected. I really love it.”
“Elevate” was directed by co-founder and adjunct faculty member Leigh Anne Ervin as well as choreographer and professor Kari Smith.
“Initially it was primarily theater students that were involved,” sophomore Emily Meinerding said. “It branched out [to] incorporate other students that wanted to dance outside of school.”
The two-act show features performances by students with a wide range of expertise. Several students participate in multiple dances. The production’s lighting and sound was constructed by students as well.
The production includes both secular and religious pieces. The event concludes with a dance by Tier II students that centers around the power of baptism.
“What I love about the dance theatre company here is that it’s unique because we have the ability to use our dancing to glorify God, and that’s not an opportunity you get at every dance school,” Meinerding said.
FDT has two more productions of “Elevate” on Dec. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. in Shamblin Theatre. Student tickets are available at the door.
Photos by Sarah Johnson