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CURTIS HENRY
Distribution Manager
This Sunday the Fredonia Student Dance Organization will be putting on the annual “Dancing with the Athletes” competition.
The competition is set up in a format similar to ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Students who are majors in dance or specialize in dance performances are paired up with athletes around campus. Together, they prepare a dance routine that will be performed for the competition.
This year there are 12 pairings that will compete.
Junior Chris Victor is a dual major in dance and audio/radio production and participated in the competition last year as one of the dance specialists. He’s returning this year based on the experience he had last year.
“It really is just a lot of fun. It’s a great experience,” said Victor. “It gives us the chance to meet with the athletes who are people we don’t usually know or interact with, and it gives us the opportunity to teach them something new.
“This year I’m partnered up with Emily Hauser, and she has done a great job in rehearsals,” he continued. “She’s a lot better than I expected, and she allows me to do a little bit more with the choreography.”
The choreography is created and performed by each individual dance team. Each team will have a different style of dance.
One of the athletes participating this year is softball player Izzy Simon. Simon, who is a senior video production major, is another participant who took part in the competition last year.
“Last year I had a great partner, and it made the whole experience really fun,” said Simon. “I got some of my teammates to do it this year so I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be great.”
The pairs put in both time and effort to perfect their routines before performing. Everyone’s goal is to provide entertainment while supporting a great cause — Moving Miracles, a non-profit organization in Buffalo that promotes and provides dance education to individuals and children with special needs.
“Last year we met up twice a week for about a month to rehearse and get the dance right,” said Simon. “Seeing the work pay off was definitely worth it.”
Difficulties in scheduling proved to be the most time consuming obstacle to overcome while preparing for the performances. Victor was sure to reiterate this.
“As a dance major it’s tough. I love dancing and performing so obviously it’s not a big issue,” said Victor. “But, it’s never the easiest to find time. I have class and rehearsals around the clock, and I always seem to be prepping for a performance. It’s tough to find the time, and I’m sure the athletes have the same issue. They have classes, and then they have practice for hours every day, and then they come to rehearsal. It’s a lot to get done.”
While it isn’t the easiest to accomplish the pairs don’t seem to disappoint.
This year’s show will take place on Nov. 15 and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Campus dance groups Envied Expressions and Premium Blend will also be performing at the event.
Tickets are available now in the Williams Center box office. Prices are $3 for students and $6 for the general public.
All proceeds from the event will go to Moving Miracles.