How USU’s Dance Company creates community
The Utah State University Dance Company has been a big part of USU for nearly two decades, and as a new school year begins, they are preparing for another year filled with club events.
The company is a student-run dance club part of the College of Arts & Sciences. Those who frequent events around campus, as well as Aggie sporting events, are probably more than familiar with the energetic performances the company puts on.
“We perform at basketball games, hockey games, soccer games, USU events, as well as community events,” said Ryley Cottrell, a third-year club member.
When asked about which of these events she is most excited for, presidency member Aubrey Pentz shared her feelings.
“I’d say I’m always most excited to perform at the basketball games,” Pentz said. “There’s always such a big crowd and so many people cheering that it ends up being such a fun thing to do.”
Along with all of the sporting events and USU activities at whwich the company performs, its biggest event is the annual concert where members are able to create and perform their own pieces.
“All of our pieces for the concert are actually student-choreographed, which gives all of us a really great opportunity to grow in the art form,” Cottrell said.
This encouragement for members to grow in their dancing abilities is one of the central goals the company has for its members. Along with this, the company strives to make itself an inviting place for those around campus to meet and express themselves.
For many of the members, dance has been a central part of their lives for years, and the company allows them to continue following their passion.
“We really are very community-focused,” Pentz said. “We don’t compete against anyone. It’s really just to have girls out here doing what they love to do. We try to create a chill environment where you can come and dance with your friends.”
According to Cottrell, all of the members of the club can attest to how the community created by the company has significantly improved their experience at USU.
“The friendships and bonds that the team makes every year is probably my favorite part of the dance company,” Cottrell said. “When I came to college, I didn’t have very many friends on campus, so the dance company is how I made all of my friends. I’ve danced for such a long time that it brought a sense of familiarity. I had moved away from home with nobody that I really knew, but dance was that one constant that really helped me with the transition.”
According to Pentz, the company welcomes everyone to come participate in the activities and engage in the community regardless of experience.
“We encourage everyone to come out to our clinics, boys and girls, whether you have danced in the past or never have danced,” Pentz said. “They are just a fun opportunity to make new friends and do what you love.”
The company also encourages everyone who is interested to follow its Instagram at @usudanceco to see when clinics are planned and to reach out with any questions regarding any of the activities going on throughout the year.