Tuesday, Dec 3, 2013
Student-choreographed production to be held Dec. 6- 7
The Rider Dance Ensemble (RDE), a student organization that performs collaborative dance shows throughout the year at Rider University, will present its fall show called Strut, on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 and 7 p.m. All shows will be held in the BLC Theater.
Strut is a student-choreographed production with different style dance performances from hip-hop to contemporary. Each performance is approximately five minutes in length, in addition to one larger production that is over six minutes.
RDE president Ashley Miller said RDE was first established in 2010 as a small group with approximately 30 students. Today the organization has grown to more than 80 members.
“The fall show will feature 21 choreographers and 22 dances,” Miller says. “We are excited to see what they bring to the table.”
Cherilyn Barbone, RDE advisor, says, “This organization provides students with different dance backgrounds a forum for creative expression. It also encourages choreographic experimentation and integrates classical and contemporary repertoires.”
Miller went on to explain that everyone who auditions for RDE is cast in at least one dance number. The organization has at least one performance each semester, where RDE also collects donations for local charities.
“’Strut’ is open to the Rider community and the public,” Miller says. “It is free with suggested donation. This semester all proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Resource Center.”
In addition to performing shows and community service, RDE hosts a workshop the week the last week of the summer. Workshops include dance classes such as hip-hop, jazz and contemporary, taught by RDE upperclassmen and alumni.
For more information about Strut or RDE, visit the group’s Facebook page.
