Santa Fe College dance majors to debut student-choreographed ‘Room to Dance’ production

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -,

Dance Theatre of Santa Fe’s long-running tradition, Room to Dance, returns this week with a two-night run at Santa Fe College’s Fine Arts Hall. The production is fully student-choreographed, giving dance majors the chance to put their skills — from choreography to leadership — to the test in a culminating performance.

This year’s show features a range of themes, including feminism and diverse musicality, with each piece designed to reflect the students’ own voices.

Organizers say the evening will also include a post-show Q&A, allowing audience members to ask student choreographers about their works and their experiences in the program.

“For the audience to be engaged and interacting with the students and whatever they’re curious about. And also being able to give them feedback about what they saw,” said Melissa Brenner, assistant dance professor. “Because we’re in an educational institution, we are open to everybody being there, absorbing information, absorbing the opportunity to learn and ask questions.”

Senior student choreographer Lila Mantooth said her piece brings a musical theater energy, featuring a mash-up of Bad Bunny songs.

“My piece is a musical theater piece with a mash-up of Bad Bunny songs, and it is showcasing a young female soloist who goes through New York and kind of like finds her way and finds her individuality and she like meets people along the way,” Mantooth said.

Opening night begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall, with a second performance also scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, officially closing out the season. Information on how to get tickets.

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