“Footloose” may have been a movie about dancing being banned, but that 1984 classic is one of several films that provided inspiration for an annual dance festival at Governors State University.
“Dance to the Movies” hits the stage March 8 at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts in University Park.
“Movies and films are such a beloved art form. It’s a theme that most people can relate to in some way simply because there’s so many types of movies out there,” said Megan Lindsay, coordinator and faculty adviser for GSU Dance Company.
“It goes well with dance because movies oftentimes serve as an escape, which dance can certainly be as well. It’s an art form that broadens one’s perspective in terms of seeing from another person’s point of view. I felt the theme would be relatable and also universal.”
Lindsay choreographed “Dance to the Movies” with company choreographers and dancers Izy Hollingsworth, Nia Wright and Shanice “Tutu” Wright.
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Other company dancers include Dominique Adams, Tyra Barnes, M’lyssa Bauske, Jas Garner, Courtney Heiskell, Autumn Price, Tianna Smith and Kiana Turner.
“We’re doing ‘Cell Block Tango’ from the musical ‘Chicago.’ We’re doing a jazz dance, which is inspired by the film ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.’ We’re doing an African dance inspired by ‘Slumdog Millionaire,'” Lindsay said.
“We’re doing a hip-hop dance inspired by the film ‘Men in Black.’ We’re doing a 1980s jazz dance inspired by ‘Flashdance’ and ‘Fame.’ We’re doing a tap dance inspired by ’42nd Street.’ We’re also doing an Afro-Polynesian dance inspired by ‘Moana.'”
“Dance to the Movies” performers include Beecher, Burnham, Chicago, Chicago Heights and Park Forest residents.
“We have a very committed, dedicated, talented and diverse group of students and alumni who have been creating and working together,” said Lindsay, who began the GSU Dance Company in 2013.
“It brings a unique talent and flavor to the group. Because several of the students are also choreographers it enables the dancers to learn different styles of choreography. We all learn from each other.”
“Dance to the Movies” also features guest performers.
“Fatal Dance is the hip-hop dance troupe at Governors State. We collaborate with them every year for our annual concert. It brings a different energy and style to the show overall. The dances they’re doing are inspired by the films ‘Drumline,’ ‘Stomp the Yard’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz,'” Lindsay said.
GSU’s Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) program produces “Dance to the Movies.”
“We have acting and performance art, music, singing, dancing and choreography. We’re also doing a musical in April,” said Lindsay, adjunct faculty for the TAPS program.
“It’s a great program. I would recommend it for any college students looking to minor or major in the performing arts. We’re making progress on our dance minor curriculum. We should have everything ready to go to launch it in fall 2019. I’m really excited about that.”
Lindsay already is looking forward to GSU Dance Company’s next annual dance festival.
“We are doing a Michael Jackson tribute show next year, 2019, to commemorate the 10th-year anniversary of his death,” she said.
“Dance is empowering. It’s everything. I’ve always been a creative person. For me, movement and choreography is the perfect outlet so I absolutely love dancing. It helps me connect with myself and connects me to other people and the world.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
‘Dance to the Movies’
When: 7:30 p.m. March 8
Where: Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park
Tickets: $15 general public; $10 students
Information: 708-235-2222; www.centertickets.net
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