NW dancers to represent region

Twelve NW dance students and faculty will represent TCC at the annual American College Dance Festival at Sam Houston University March 5-9.

Some students were selected during last year’s Student Choreography showcase, and the additional spots were granted to students following a dance track.

Dance associate professor Amy Sleigh said even though the festival allows both student and faculty work to be showcased, the judges only have the title and music credits to aid them in reaching their decision.

“They are blind to whether it is a faculty or student work and from what school the dance is from,” she said. “That makes the playing level even.”

Sleigh said each work has a different theme, exploring topics from mental illness and past mistakes to a “silly” dance about how one ridiculous lie can get bigger and bigger.

Out of approximately 100 pieces, two are chosen at the end of the week to represent the region at the national festival in Washington, D.C., Sleigh said. Even though this award is only available every two years, she said her team is prepared.

“We’re ready to kick butt,” she said.

Taylor Jensen