SU seniors take final bow at DanceWorks’ Dreamscapes
SU seniors take final bow at DanceWorks’ ‘Dreamscapes’
The student-run dance company will highlight SU’s choreographic talent at spring showcase.
This weekend, SU’s dance company, DanceWorks, is putting on its annual spring show, titled Dreamscapes. For freshmen, it’s their first time taking the stage, but for some seniors, it’s the curtain close.
DanceWorks is an entirely student-run organization founded in 1986, and it currently boasts over 100 active members. The program culminates in a final spring showcase, where each year has a new theme. Past shows include DanceWorks Disco in 2024 and VOGUE in 2023, made possible by the choreographers, who are the true heart of the organization.
Senior choreographers Michela Galego and Kaitlyn Sullivan were involved in dance throughout their lives, so they knew their passion for dance would follow them to college.
“I auditioned for DanceWorks my sophomore year, and I’ve always loved hip-hop, so it was a good opportunity to get in touch with that again,” Galego said. “I remember seeing the show my freshman year, and it just being super fun and hype.”
From first-year dancers to now two-time choreographers, the pair share a love for hip-hop, and their bond is easy to see. While choreographing a dance senior year can be a big undertaking with other commitments, the two have cheered each other on throughout the process.
This isn’t the first time that Galego and Sullivan have worked together; they also choreographed a routine for last year’s show. They described the benefits of having someone to bounce ideas off of and try new things with. Last year, they put together a routine to multiple Post Malone songs but wanted to do something a little bit different this year.
The pair described this year’s routine, titled “GIRLS,” as a “super fun, girly, sassy hip-hop” dance. In contrast to their slower, more soulful Post Malone routine from last year, the two are looking forward to a track filled with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
“Having a partner is really nice,” said Sullivan. “You’re not alone in the costumes and lighting and have someone to do everything with.”
Dancers in the organization share a close camaraderie, thanks in part to their mentor-mentee program. Freshman Becca Lipset is Sullivan’s mentee and a dancer in the routine. She said Sullivan has been a great friend to her since joining.
“Kaitlyn got me a gift basket at the beginning of the year and has always been super supportive,” said Lipset. “Her and Michela have always made our practices super fun and engaging. They’ve really worked to make sure all of us are friends.”
This year, the audience can look forward to 19 routines, including an opening and closing, choreographed by 23 different students and all showcasing different dance styles. Whether it’s lyrical, contemporary, jazz, or hip-hop, all will be on display this weekend at DanceWorks.
From the opening number to the closing, a dream-like essence will pervade throughout to showcase the hard work of these talented students.
The show will be held at Goldstein Auditorium on Friday, February 28th at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets for Dreamscapes can be purchased online or at the Syracuse University Student Box Office.