December 07, 2007

Student dance production includes participants from many majors

(Portland, Ore.)—When senior international affairs major Leanne Fawkes takes the stage this weekend, she won’t be giving a speech or taking part in a debate.

(Portland, Ore.)—When senior international affairs major Leanne Fawkes takes the stage this weekend, she won’t be giving a speech or taking part in a debate. Fawkes is one of the four student choreographers behind this year’s Student Dance Extravaganza, none of whom is a theater major.

Each year, undergraduate students come together to organize, choreograph, and perform a series of dances on the Main Stage of the Fir Acres Theatre. Students receive one or two theatre credits for their participation, but the production frequently includes students who are not formally studying dance at Lewis & Clark.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in dance to get involved, regardless of major,” said junior Jesse Rope, student producer for this year’s Extravaganza. “Any student can join the class in the fall and take part in the show, whether behind the scenes or on stage.”

The production’s four performances this weekend will feature the work of more than 30 student participants, with four dance pieces in various styles.

“Though the show has grown in the ten or so years since began, it still honors the original intention of being a student-driven event,” Rope said.

Performances are Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for Lewis & Clark students; $7 for faculty, staff, alumni, senior citizens, and non-Lewis & Clark students; $10 for the public. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and one hour before each performance.