BY: CARINA JACHLEWSKI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The St. Bonaventure University dance team is getting ready to take the stage for their upcoming show, “Lemonade Legends,” on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets should be on sale after Nov. 8, giving students, families and community members the opportunity to see the team perform after months of preparation.
Preparing for the production of “Lemonade Legends” takes much more than learning choreography. The team has classes and practices on Mondays through Thursdays and sometimes Fridays, where dancers work on their routines, perfect their movements and make sure everyone is comfortable with the material. On Sundays, the entire team comes together for group practice to run through the full show, sometimes even twice a day. These rehearsals unite dancing and acting that follow the show’s theme, allowing the team to see how each piece fits into the overall production.
Although the hours of practice can be very demanding on top of schoolwork and outside lives, the team continues to motivate one another as they work toward opening night. Everyone plays a role in making the show successful, and the team’s ability to work together is an important part of the process.
Outside of rehearsals, the dance team also makes time to build friendships and strengthen its connections. Throughout the semester, they participate in bonding activities such as painting glasses, having a movie night in UMin and taking a trip to Mount Irenaeus to spend a night away from their usual routines. These activities give everyone a chance to step away from schoolwork, everyday responsibilities and dance practice to relax and enjoy time together.
For a team that spends so much time together in the basement of the Butler gym, getting out of the usual practice environment is especially important. Bonding events allow dancers to get to know their teammates on a deeper level and form friendships beyond dance. These relationships help create a positive environment where everyone feels supported, both inside and outside the studio.
One of the biggest things that makes the team special is the amount of love and encouragement our members show one another. Whether they are learning a difficult dance, preparing for a full run-through or simply spending time together, the dancers make an effort to lift each other up. The team celebrates individual accomplishments while working toward a shared goal, creating an atmosphere filled with positivity and support.
That sense of community also carries into rehearsals. Having teammates who encourage one another makes long practices more enjoyable and reminds everyone why they put so much time and effort into the show. The friendships built throughout the season are just as meaningful as the performance itself, making the experience more than simply dancing on stage.
As the show dates approach, the team is excited to share their hard work with the St. Bonaventure community. After weeks of rehearsals, choreography, acting and team bonding, “Lemonade Legends” represents the time and dedication each member has put into creating a memorable show.
The dancers hope to bring that same energy and positivity to the stage, giving audience members a chance to experience the laughter and the creativity and teamwork that made the show possible. For the team, performing is an opportunity to come together, showcase its talent and share something meaningful with the people who support the university.
Students, families and community members are encouraged to attend “Lemonade Legends” on Nov. 18 or 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Quick Center for the Arts. With tickets on sale on Nov. 8, audiences should keep an eye out for more information. The dance team is looking forward to welcoming everyone and sharing a show that reflects not only its hard work, but also the friendships and team spirit behind it.
