MTSU’s Performing Arts Company makes an impact with their Big and Bold MPAC dance show on Nov. 23 at Tucker Theatre.
Choreographer auditions were held on Sept. 2nd. Anyone was able to audition, including students, alumni and community guest artists. Once they were chosen, dancers chose the pieces they wanted to audition for. They all worked extensively throughout the semester, perfecting their moves for the show.
The performers brought the energy with an opening number titled “Anne’s Kids” in honor of the late Anne Holland Cole, the founder of MPAC. Her legacy continues with these dancers as they showcase their artistic expression and love for dance.
“Kudos to MPAC, shout out to our founder Anne Holland Cole, we’re doing it for her,” Aaliyah Akins, dancer, choreographer, and newly appointed Assistant Director of First Company, said.
Throughout the evening, the emcee and former MTSU student body president, Michai Mosby, schooled the audience on the history of MPAC through an entertaining game of true or false. The facts gave a smooth transition into each piece, serving as an introduction for the choreographer’s artistry.
The evening featured a variety of choreography from contemporary fusion to heels and hip-hop.
Dancers took inspiration from their personal lives or the things they loved to create dynamic numbers. Akins’ heels piece, “Joke’s on You,” used Harley Quinn to reveal the feminine era she’s in. Using the sensuality of her character and intricate moves, she created a dance that women could connect to and feel empowered by.
“It’s more than just dance,” said Akins, “It’s how we tell our lives, how we share stories, how we get over things, it’s a feeling, it’s an emotion. I hope people can take what we’ve poured into this.”
Alumna choreographer Laci Rose expressed feeling odd at times and wanting to embrace that through her dance. For her piece “Oddity,” dancers were veiled in lacy black clothes. Their synchronized, alluring movements captured the audience in their dark energy.
For some students, this would be their last piece as MTSU students, but their love for MPAC brings them back after graduation.
Senior Elementary Education major, Taylor Tenniswood, recalls her journey in MPAC. She’s been a dancer all her life, so finding a family in MPAC made her time more memorable. Over her time as a member of MPAC, she has choreographed many pieces varying in genre, including this semester’s jazz number, “Ordinary People.”
“It’s bittersweet…,” Tenniswood said, “cause it’s my last show in school, my last choreographic piece in school, so it’s sad, but I know I’m coming back for sure.”
She gave Sidelines a little tease of a potential throwback piece she’s working on for her return as an alumna.
The show ended with a smashing hip-hop number before closing the night by honoring the dancers and the amazing team behind the production.
In honor of Cole’s legacy, MPAC invites everyone to contribute to the Anne Holland Dance Scholarship, ensuring her passion for dance continues to inspire others.
“I hope they take our passion, seeing it through on stage and enjoy the craft,” Akins said, “If you don’t understand it, I bet you will see and see our enjoyment through our moves.”
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