Dance is an art form that finds its way into the lives of many young people. When dancers grow up and go off to college, they often end up having to give up dance. But that’s not the case at UK.

The UK Dance Ensemble is a student organization that meets three times a week to freshen up on their technique and learn choreography for routines that are performed at the end of each semester.

The fall UKDE concert “Fall in Love with Dance” is Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Singletary Center Recital Hall.

UKDE Director Rayma Beal helps us improve on our technique along with making sure all of our dances are coming together throughout the semester.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the beautiful pieces that the choreographers have worked so hard on come together this weekend,” said UKDE president, Sarah Bailey.

As a member of dance ensemble, I know how much time and commitment goes into these routines, and we can’t wait to finally perform them.

Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the semester, all members are required to attend a 90-minute technique rehearsal. On Sundays, each individual dancer is also required to attend an hour rehearsal for each routine they will be performing at the end of the semester. “Overall the time commitment is perfect, it’s really doable and we use our time wisely,” said new member Jacquie Scoliard.

The majority of the dance routines are student-choreographed, and each member is presented with the opportunity to choreograph after their first semester as a member. Students who choose to choreograph dedicate even more time to the organization by creating a routine, by coming up with a costume and by teaching it to other members.

“Sometimes I spend hours coming up with just one verse of movement, and sometimes it happens instantly,” said UKDE Secretary Sarah Allen. “I like choreographing because it allows me to create something that no one else has ever come up with.”

Along with student choreography, UKDE also has a couple pieces every semester choreographed by guest choreographers. This semester you can come see truly meaningful pieces choreographed by the very experienced and very talented Lydia Austin and Tamara Begley. And this weekend is the moment we’ve been preparing for all semester. We’re hoping for our biggest audience yet!

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