It makes sense to go with an all-encompassing theme when you’re apart of Syracuse University’s largest student-run club sport. So DanceWorks organizers decided to think big for this year’s annual performance – as in the Big Apple

Audience members are invited on a tour through New York City for this year’s DanceWorks performance in Goldstein Auditorium at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday. The idea for the 2008 show, which will star more than 100 dancers, is to take spectators on a Manhattan vacation via the subway system. Each of the 19 stops along the way presents an original dance performance.

‘We’re trying to play up what the sites and tourist attractions are known for,’ Lisa Mara, co-director of DanceWorks, said.

The program will take viewers through staple New York City attractions like Times Square, Wall Street and Grand Central Station.

Several of the performances will try to mix elements of the city into the dance. The tie-ins can include something as minor as a costume piece – in the show’s finale at Yankee Stadium, the dancers will be sporting caps bearing the Bronx Bombers’ logo. Another incorporation is an added narrative to the dance, in the South Street Seaport, an area know for its street performers, a carnival-like tale will unfold through the movements on stage.

The 22nd anniversary of the performance includes some new distinctive styles – one even combines swing dancing with ballet. And for the first time ever, the show will close with live music as all 130 dancers take the stage to sway to the beat one last time.

‘We’re hoping people really enjoy the theme – get into the theme of NYC.,’ Co-Director of DanceWorks Lindsey Timko said. ‘And it’s like we really take them on a trip through New York City.’

mrlevin@syr.edu

Published on February 20, 2008 at 12:00 pm