Choreographers for this year’s Singarama show shared their inspiration and efforts towards each dance they have created. “Blast from the Past,” this year’s theme, showcases three groups’ acting, singing and specifically dancing abilities.
The groups, “Far Out,” “Totally Awesome” and “Party On,” are lead by a choreography team that creates their dances and then leads them in performances. Each group’s routine is based on a different decade: the 70s, 80s and 90s, respectively.
Caitlyn Lloyd, choreographer for “Party On,” was inspired by 90s music videos and tried to emulate those dance moves as best as she could.
Lloyd said she was so excited to see her dances come to life.
“For them to go from our imagination to being performed on stage is so rewarding,” Lloyd said. “This show is truly a collaborative effort. So many incredible, funny, talented and creative people worked long hours putting this show together.”
Choreographer of “Far Out,” Ciara McKinney, said she began the process by getting some help along the way and asking an alumna choreographer of Singarama for some general tips.
McKinney feels that her inspiration comes from the music itself.
“We try to take one dance at a time,” she said, adding, “collecting as much information about our storyline and incorporate that mood into the dance.”
McKinney’s favorite part of this process was bonding with the director of “Far Out,” Meg Mortenson, and her co-choreographer, Katie Markham.
“The work that goes into this is way more than I ever could have imagined, and I hope people take advantage of the time they have remaining to enjoy the people and creativity they’re involved in.”
A choreographer for “Totally Awesome,” Katie Holliday said she was inspired by musicals and movies set in the 80s, but she also wanted to tie in some original choreography that she felt fit the message of the show.
“I really wanted to convey the feelings going on in the scene through the dances,” Holliday said.
As an education major, Holliday truly enjoyed getting to teach something she loves, like dance, to those around her and watch it come to life.
Holliday noted that their show truly is “Totally Awesome.”
Come out to see these inspired dance moves at Singarama this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Photos by Anna Rogers