On Saturday, April 8, hundreds of students gathered in Marshall Auditorium at Haverford to watch the Spring Student Dance Concert (SSDC), an independent student production that draws together a multitude of dance groups and solos once a semester. The concert, the first of its kind in the spring, was organized by Haverford seniors Liana Wilson-Graff, Danika Rasmussen, and Kayla Baquiran. The event emerged as a spring complement to the Fall Student Dance Concert, a staple of independent student dance in the Tri-Co.
Liana Wilson-Graff shared more about how SSDC came about. She mentioned, “I had previously served as the PR manager on the e-board for FSDC 2021, so having seen what goes into making the show a reality and how much the event brings our Tri-Co community together, I decided a Spring iteration was way overdue and built a team to make it happen.”
Many people were involved in producing the event. The e-board also included Piper Rolfes (BMC ’24, tech/stage management coordinator, dance major) and Atalie Pierre-Louis (BMC ’24, PR manager). Wilson-Graff noted, “I also want to make sure to shout out our stage managers Liz Burke [BMC ’23] and Aviva Soll [HC ’23], and BLAST, specifically Renata Muñoz who works so hard to lead all things tech for spring dance performances at Haverford — they deserve a huge round of applause!”
Performances included:
- /shift/ dance company
- Afreen
- Amor Battle (solo performer)
- Atalie Pierre-Louis (solo performer)
- Atalie Pierre-Louis & Piper Rolfes (independent duet)
- Avery Barnett (solo performer)
- Bounce
- Choom Boom
- Danika Rasmussen (solo performer)
- HaverRitmo
- Jacquelyn Stifelman (solo performer)
- Kala
- Kayla Baquiran (solo performer)
- Kimiye Maeshiro (solo performer)
- Mayuri
- Mei
- Noise Complaint
- Rhythm n’ Motion
The high-energy production was complete with flashing lights, loud music, and the enthusiastic shouts and applause of the packed audience, who helped make the performance a lively, boisterous affair. You can view the livestream of the event on YouTube (warning: loud music and flashing lights). You can also learn more about the performances and the dance groups present from the digital program.
SSDC also piloted a visual artist-in-residence program, funded by the Hurford Center. Featured artist Ananya Bhaskar (BMC ‘23) wrote, “I’m so excited to be able to create a piece that would compliment the wonderful performances at SSDC! My painting is meant to capture the essence of movement, beauty, and nature. I wanted to depict the joy and freedom that comes with dancing and the ephemeral beauty of flowers that bloom in spring. My piece is not only a celebration of the human body and its capacity for movement, but also a tribute to the natural world.”
When asked how students could get involved, Wilson-Graff advised, “Dance groups have auditions at the beginning of every semester that are open to the Tri-Co! If students want to get involved they should make sure to follow student dance groups on Instagram to stay updated about auditions, open classes, and performances. We are an energized, big, and welcoming community and we love to see it grow!”
Independent student dance will return with FSDC again in Fall 2023!
