This Weekend, CoLab presented their annual Movement Lab show featuring student choreography

On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending CoLab x Molab, the student-run, student-choreographed, and student-performed dance show in Barnard’s Movement Lab. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but whatever expectations I did have were absolutely exceeded. As someone who doesn’t know much about the technical aspects of dance, I might be easily impressed, but the talent and remarkable creativity of these dancers and choreographers was obvious even to the most untrained eye. 

This year’s performance featured 14 pieces in various styles, including film and live music, all created by this group of talented students. The show’s multimedia approach took me by surprise but made it that much more exciting. The sheer variety of the show makes it impossible to pick a favorite piece, so instead, I’ll highlight some of the most memorable moments from a memorable night.

The opening number, “Snorpina and the Meow” choreographed and performed by Alice Lander (BC ’25) and Abby Mankin (BC ’25) was a playful piece that didn’t take itself too seriously, making the audience laugh and cementing itself as one of my favorites from the start. The chemistry and trust between the dancers were immediately clear, undoubtedly contributing to their ability to move seamlessly through the piece. 

Next, “Sunburn: An Allergic Body,” choreographed by Sophia Arnaboldi (BC ’25), took the audience on a journey through the perfect beach day, complete with visuals and a unique musical composition by Oonagh Mockler (BC ’25) and Angelina Gargano (BC ’26), respectively. The various props, including a picnic basket, books, and beach towels, perfectly encapsulated the vibes I’m trying to cultivate this summer. The piece illustrated the haunting feeling of sunburn infecting your entire body, a sensation that I could almost feel as I watched with anticipation. 

In another phenomenal duo, “Yip Yap,” choreographed and performed by Ty Nagvajara (CC ’25) and Lynn Wilcox (BC ’27) had an infectious energy complete with a synchronized clap that danced the audience right into a brief intermission. This piece was a fun, fluid collaboration between two talented dancers, featuring both brief solos and synchronized moves that kept the audience cheering throughout. During this intermission, the layout of the space was changed and my friends and I moved to sit on the floor to experience the remaining dances from a closer perspective. 

I would be remiss not to mention the incredible film, photography, and music featured during CoLab. Most pieces featured a visual element that enhanced the choreography. “The College Transition,” choreographed and performed by Olivia Su (BC ’28) is a perfect example. Su’s piece featured a montage of text messages and nostalgic clips, painting a picture of the sadness, hope, and uncertainty that define the adjustment to a new life and school environment. With the familiar “Be Yourself” by Frank Ocean in the background, this was a contemporary piece that fit the song’s emotional message. As I watched, I caught myself reflecting on my own transition to Columbia, and the similar “I miss you” texts sent to various friends and family that Su’s piece illuminated. 

Next, Sarah Ashkin’s (BC ‘27) piece “You Started Sharing Your Location With Me” featured various styles, from ballet to hip hop to contemporary, keeping me constantly wondering what would come next, and being delighted every time a beat dropped or a new dancer entered the stage. The audience was equally as invested, with loud cheers coming after each of Corbin Holloway’s (School of American Ballet) turns, making me silently curse six-year-old me for not sticking with ballet. The freedom with which Sophia Blucker (CC ’28), Raquel Daley (Fordham University ‘27), Noa Kamiya (New York University ‘27), Maggie Lynch (BC ’27), and Dahlia Seidel (BC ’25) danced and eased through the musical transitions was exciting, creating a fun atmosphere that made my friends and I want to get up and join in. 

The use of props and costumes in this show was amazing, with each prop being carefully placed and utilized in ways that complimented the performance. The final number, “Peep Show,” choreographed by Anya Trumbach (BC ’25), complete with a clown costume and balloon animals was a beautiful piece. Trumbach’s ability to balance both the playful and mysterious aspects of her character gave this performance an emotional edge that had the audience captivated, serving as the perfect conclusion to the show. 

From exciting and provocative visuals to imaginative choreography that made me want to laugh, cry, and sign up for a dance class, the CoLab experience was like no other. I could not recommend this show enough. It is clear that every student put their all into this production.

CoLab Flyer via Instagram