Faculty choreography entertains students

ACT ONE

Fullerton College's dance department showcased their talent at the annual Faculty Dance Concert performing choreography by students, special guests and faculty.

The two-act concert consisted of six parts, including dances such as Modern, Ballet, Middle Eastern and Afro-Modern. The concert began with a piece about all the types of love in life.

Classic songs backed the dance's story from Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Queen. An interesting dance piece to see was entitled "Journey," it featured live performances with drums. "Journey" was a longer and intricate choreography, switching between various dance solos and big-group numbers.

ACT TWO

The concert's second half had a theatrical piece with dancers portraying two rival bicycle gangs racing against each other to Queen's "Bicycle Race".

The night's performance wasn't all fun and games; it took on a dark tone as well.

A work entitled "Death March (POWs)"revealed the cruelty of Filipino and American soldiers endured during World War II while under the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.

The performance ended on a high note with the dancers dancing to songs from the musical "Memphis." The audience excitingly responded to the show's finale, which consisted of ‘50s dancing.

A standing ovation from the audience was the parting gift for the dancers' hard work and dedication.

Festival time

Before the show started, Artistic Director and Dance Department Chair Melanie Kay Rosa introduced 21 students selected to attend the American College Dance Festival.

The festival allows students from various schools to perform and receive constructive criticism and advice about their technique as dancers. Rosa and fellow dance instructor Robin Conrad both chose each student going to the festival.

The chosen students will travel to Modesto Junior College on March 7-10, 2012.