The Wheaton College Dance Company dazzled audiences with its annual performance, titled “Dimensions,” which ran from Thursday, April 18 to Saturday, April 20. Directed by Cheryl Mrozowski and artistically directed by Andrea Taylor-Blenis, this year’s spring show presented an array of captivating performances.
As a prominent dance group within the Wheaton community, the Dance Company showcases a blend of ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz genres.
This year’s members include Eve Poliskey ‘24, Syd Alves ‘25, Nat Gibbs ‘25, Emerson Stout ‘25, Addie Busacco ‘26, Cassandra Heleen ‘26, Emma Baran ‘27, and Summer Ramos ‘27.
Senior Co-Captain Poliskey said that one of the best parts about the Wheaton College Dance Company is “the friendships you form.” Poliskey also said that dancing with the company serves as an outlet for her, where she can leave everything else outside the studio and those stressors in her dance, fueling her performance.
Alumni guest choreographers included Kurt Adametz ‘08, Jia Fitzgerald ‘23, Pierce Gillim ‘22, Ellie Guerin ‘23, Caitlin Kennedy Foley ‘98, Izzi King ‘22, Tori Mattie ‘22, Meghan Moran ‘22, and Mary Swansburg ‘22.
Wheaton Students choreographed nine performances. Additionally, dance groups KAOS, Tap Out Loud, and TRYBE will be performing numbers alongside the Wheaton Dance Company.
Throughout the performance, pieces delved into the multifaceted nature of human experience, exploring the various “dimensions” within oneself. These choreographed works aim to showcase and embrace all aspects of the self, liberating individuals from expectations and fostering a deeper understanding of personal identity.
For instance, Gillim’s choreography in “Alien Superstar” celebrates individual differences. This dance focused on the differences be- tween each other, embracing our unique characteristics and celebrating these differences.
Junior Alves said, “There were so many dances,” and each dance was so different, so picking a favorite is definitely hard. But “The Chain” choreographed by Poliskey, “Is it Enough” choreographed by Junior Stout, and Mattie’s piece, “Learning to Fly,” were her favorites.
Swansburg’s choreography of “Of Two Minds” seeks to embrace different aspects of one’s personality, fostering confidence and security. She said, “It’s an expression and embrace of all of those different aspects (of our personality) as we learn to be secure and confident with our place in the world.”
King’s choreography of “Crop Circles” aims to capture the essence of nurturing the inner light and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
Guerin’s “Runnin” highlights the crucial role of self-love during difficult times. Through the dance piece, Guerin encapsulates how escaping from challenges will never lead to the love and happiness one deserves; true fulfillment must stem from within.
In Moran’s choreography of “Borealis,” she transports the audience to the joys of life, portraying a journey where the destination may be uncertain, yet it resonates as a place of belonging.
“To Build a Home,” choreographed by Fitzgerald, serves as an homage to her time with the Wheaton Dance Company. Fitzgerald said, “This piece encapsulates the precious but bittersweet feeling I get when looking back on all the memories made (with Wheaton Dance Company),” evoking nostalgia and reflection.
The Wheaton College Dance Company is the only on-campus dance group that offers class credit for participation. The Wheaton Dance Company holds auditions each semester, offering opportunities to join the group. Auditions typically take place at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters in September and January, respectively. Practices are held in the evenings Monday through Thursday from five to seven.
The Wheaton College Dance Company’s “Dimensions” promised a mesmerizing showcase, embodying the spirit of creativity and self-discovery. Tickets were priced at fifteen dollars for general admission, ten dollars for faculty, staff, and seniors, and five dollars for Wheaton students.