If this showcase didn’t make you want to become a dance major, then what are you even doing?

Although a lifelong dancer, I am unfortunately not a dance major. I’m still kicking myself I didn’t attempt the dance minor because this showcase was just so good! The Senior Dance Thesis Showcase highlighted 17 senior capstone projects from Barnard and Columbia students over the course of two evenings. Each and every one of these students were so incredibly creative! There was a diverse range in the types of the performances, everything from modern to jazz to comedic storytelling! I’m absolutely astounded by the talent of my fellow peers. 

Sophia Sowinski (BC ‘24) synched together storytelling and dance in her capstone. Her words matched her dancing in an unique way–staggering and stuttering over her sentences while dancing, telling about a dream she had. Sowinski also incorporated a costume change into her story!

Tobi Lee (BC ‘24) choreographed a piece that played with flowy and staccato movements. Her piece was charming and silly, eliciting many laughs from the audience. Lee also hit every single beat flawlessly–the piece was incredibly cohesive and dynamic!

Annika Voorheis (BC ‘24) made the whole audience burst out laughing during her jester-like performance with Barnard graduate Molly Leahy. Choreographed by Rae Su, this piece was set to medieval harpsichord music with an 80s techno twist. I was absolutely obsessed with these two’s facial expressions–I thought Voorheis’s jaw was about to unhinge! Technically, this piece had great contact partner work, and was very creative with every aspect!

Carolyn Bakich (GS ‘24) choreographed a beautiful contemporary ballet piece with incredible partnerwork! The lines on the dancers were just gorgeous. Bakich also had several motifs throughout the piece that helped tell a cohesive story. She also made excellent use of size of the stage. There was also live piano done by Marco Amadeus Jimenez (CC/J ‘25) which only amplified the quality of this work!

Romane Lavandier (BC ‘24) choreographed a flowy, beautiful piece! When I watched it, I thought of waves–waves through her body and waves in the music itself. I also really liked how she “sensed” her environment while dancing; I really felt like I was experiencing the world through her eyes!

Filip Przybycien (CC ‘24) danced a snazzy jazzy piece, complete with suspenders in a fedora. He really connected with the audience by making eye contact, very seductive and sultry! Przybycien is a fantastic turner, and his talent was exemplified really well onstage! 

Liz Radway (CC ‘24) also incorporated words and dance into her performance, telling the audience over and over again “I told you not to come!” The steps matched the music incredibly well, and I could truly see the passion for dance in her face as she performed!

Julia Patella (BC ‘24) choreographed a silly gym class dance! Her four performers were clad in gym shorts and jerseys, tapping along to the beat of the song. She played with the squeaky sounds from their sneakers in a fun and endearing way. It was so theatrical and so goofy and I just loved it!

Carmen Allison (BC ‘24) danced a sultry-smooth contemporary dance. She was dressed in a red slip dress that perfectly matched her red hair! The dance was incredibly energetic, even getting quite frantic towards the end. I loved her passion!

Lily Selthofner (CC ‘24) improvised such an amazing dance I had no clue it was improvised! The lights were incredibly fun, rainbow, and matching their costume! They had great facial expressions and groovy moves. Props to them for improvising their capstone!

Katie Sponenburg (BC ‘24) danced an incredibly vibey, transcendental viewing experience! Her steps were dynamic yet isolated, and I was really moved by her fervent passion for dance, as seen by her intense eye contact with the audience!

Rosalind Joyce (BC ‘24) choreographed the most hilarious comedic story about a “class clown” during ballet class. She incorporated 2 ballet bars into her story. The highlight was when she reenacted typical ballet combinations in a silly way, especially her ron de jambe combo where she had the facial expression of death!

Rosie Elliott (BC ‘24) entered the stage wearing a suit jacket, swiftly taking it off to reveal a red corset top. Their dance seductive and languid, red and passionate. Their red lipstick added to the effect. Elliott’s dancing was incredibly flowy, yet constructive!

Parker Whitehead-Bust (BC ‘24) came on wearing a nude long-sleeve body suit. Her steps were smooth yet jerky, and she played with tension in her body well! There was one section where she did several a la seconde extensions and I was so shocked by her lines! 

Lucy Kudlinski (BC ‘24) choreographed an earthy and grounded piece. The lighting helped contributed to the overall vibe, too. Kudlinski followed through every movement, and it was clear she was sensing her whole body while dancing!

Effy Jo (BC ‘24) ended the show with a contemporary jazz piece with epic energy! She connected so well to the audience with her facial expressions. The lighting was a vibe, her costume was a vibe, and it was just so slayful. Obsessed!

Congratulations to all these seniors! I can’t believe how talented they all are! Awesome job!

This post has been edited to correct the spelling of a performer’s name.

Featured image via Julia Discenza