The SRUDT lab

On Thursday, November 6th, at 12:30pm to 1:30pm, many dance majors are far from getting thier lunch break at "common hour."

During the last Slippery Rock Dance Theatre choreography lab before the Adjudication Concerts, I decided to take a look on the inside of the Field House Dance Studio.

What is it?

Lashonda Johnson, in costume and ready to show a piece, explains what an SRUDT lab is.

The Prep

Olivia Nellis does her hair before performing in today's SRUDT lab

Victoria Homschek, Kathryn Hines, and Alyssa Schiffer have set up the lights in preparation for this weekend's Adjudication Concerts. They are not used for labs, but they remain in the space, which helps dancers prepare their spacing for the show,

The Lab

All of the choreographers in today's lab sit to watch each piece and give notes, in between sharing their own work. Ursula Payne, seated in the top row, is the Faculty for today's lab, offering the most notes to each choreographer at the end of the lab.

Sam Elizondo performs in his own piece that he choreographed due to one of his dancers falling ill. This is a requirement in the DT process.

Victoria Homschek's piece performs in the lab today.

The Stress

It's Adjudication week, which means every dancer is even busier than usual. Conducting labs adds to the endless hours of technique class, rehearsals, choreography brainstorming, and regular college life.

Julia Studer, both a choreographer and performer this year, discusses which role she thinks is more mentally straining during an SRUDT lab.

The Show

All of this work is for the Adjudication Concerts this weekend: Friday, 6pm and 9pm, and Saturday 11am and 2pm.

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