Stages are intimidating.
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That moment when the lights are about to go on, the audience cheers and the music starts is like no other. You have this urge to make sure that your straps are still where they should be, to practice one last time, and knowing that time will continue on and you’ll be forced to perform, you wish that you weren’t so nervous.
Dance Troupe, the largest organization on GVSU’s campus, had their three shows this past weekend, and although I am a biased source, I have to say, they were wonderful. The people, the dances, the music, the amounts of make up covering everyone’s faces and the nerves: it was all a part of an amazing experience that is almost indescribable.
I was always one of those kids that danced wherever I could, the most well known place being the kitchen. Over the years, I cheated loss of limb and death, twirling around knifes and ovens, leaping four feet forward when I really only had three feet of space. I was always bribed or shooed to leave the room, especially after the Thanksgiving incident of 2009 (there’s still a bit of gravy stain on the ceiling). I thought that I needed more room, but I worked with what I had.
Practices in Dance Troupe were most often in racquetball courts, and although they might seem big with only one person dancing, when there are 30 to 40, it’s not quite so roomy anymore. But, it was comfortable: the only difference was the missing kitchen utensils and the lessened chance of injury.
Getting on stage was a completely different picture. Walking on alone, you have what seems like miles of space, standing in the dark, waiting to be revealed to an ever-judging audience. Is it the right music, is my costume on right, do I have lipstick in my teeth, do I really know this dance? And then suddenly the lights come up, blinding, only silhouettes and outlines can be seen, all positioned so that they can stare right at you. At first it seems like a form of public humiliation. But then you turn to the side in order to leap and you see a line of friendly faces, all smiling out at the once-threatening audience, as your sanity slowly but surely returns.
And then, in an instant, the stage is what frees you, the people around you are only thought of supporters, and there is nothing more to do than smile and dance. Stages are intimidating. But the thought of letting both yourself and your fellow dancers down is worse.
sschoch@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
Upcoming Events
All day | The 5th Annual Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Academy
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
6:30 pm | Broadway Theatre - Anything Goes
All day | The 5th Annual Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Academy
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
6:00 pm | Academic and Student Affairs Faculty and Staff Retirement Celebration
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
7:30 am | GVSU Downtown Toastmasters
11:00 am | GVSU Track & Field at NCAA Championships
5:30 pm | MBA Information Meeting: Holland
7:00 pm | Failure Lab
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