Contemporary. Modern. Jazz. Tap. Hip-Hop. These are all types of dance and present the movement of the human form in artistic ways.

Sacramento State’s Theatre and Dance Department hosted the 2008 senior dance concert, “Impact,” an annual production highlighting the choreographic works of the department’s graduating students from May 7 through Saturday.

The expertise and craft of the student dancers were presented at this show and analysis of the performances is part of their final grades.

“These shows are the culminating experience of four years of studying as a dance major at Sac State,” said Melissa Wynn, director of the show and full-time Sac State dance lecturer. “The students follow a few requirements I give them but set up every element of the show themselves.”

The graduating class of 10 students is required to literally put on the show collectively with creative and technical direction from Wynn.

Seniors are required to actively take four dance choreography courses that assist them with the actual production of their pieces. The students compile their own group’s work and set it upon other students who audition for the individual dance pieces.

Students are involved with every aspect of the production of the show – organizing auditions, figuring out rehearsal schedules, determining crew responsibilities, generating publicity and everything in between.

“Besides directing, the students have to present a piece that answers the question what is art? They must find out how they answer that through their dance and get out of their comfort zone,” Wynn said.

The experience of the instructors in the Dance and Theatre Department help these students achieve their goals and garner their creative visions.

Wynn, along with Lorelei Bayne, third year dance coordinator at Sac State, instruct these dancers and provide encouragement through this final year of schooling.

For 36 years, dancing has been a full-time occupation for Wynn, including 17 years in New York City.

“Dance has been a career for me,” Wynn said.

The students seem to have a very special bond with Wynn.

“I’ve learned so much from (Wynn),” senior choreographer Andreane Mercier said. “She challenges us. She pushes us to the maximum. Maybe I hated doing the assignments she gave us but after I did them, I appreciated her for pushing me.”

Bayne’s career began after a beginning modern dance course in college drew her in to the art.

“I was an athlete growing up and I always loved jumping around,” Bayne said. “I got to college and dance got me.”

Previously an English major, Bayne switched to dance to fulfill her passion and garner a merit scholarship along the way.

“I love working with both (Wynn) and (Bayne),” said Robyn Gee Franklin, student concert director and president of Without Boundaries: Sac State Dance Alliance. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it was not for the faculty here.”

Gee-Franklin’s piece for the senior dance show was entitled “Six Sided” and was set to one of three randomly picked accompaniments.

Gee-Franklin didn’t start dancing until her college years, when she discovered her passion for the art of dance.

The instructions from the staff made Gee-Franklin and other students realize their passion for it.

“I never considered dance as a major and then I absolutely fell in love with it and made it my minor,” Gee-Franklin said. “It started as a minor to a communications degree and then became a double major.”

As the infamous college years draw to a close, the seniors recount the experience of being a dance major.

“It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience,” said Nicole Parsons, senior choreographer and student concert director.

Parson’s piece was illuminated with poignant music and four dancers adorned in red flowing dresses; it began the show.

“I had a lot of fun with the whole process. It was a challenge but it made me see outside the box,” Parsons said. “It broadened my horizons as far as dance choreography.”

Jessica Claycomb, another senior choreographer, chose to choreograph a raucous and energetic piece entitled “Cowgirl up!” The dance was jazz-oriented and the crowd enjoyed hollering along to the cowgirls getting ‘liquored’ and dancing on stage.

“The experience here has been a good one and I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” Claycomb said. “I’m happy I chose a dance major and the instructors have been a lot of help with inspiring ideas.”

The instruction itself is considered inspiring and surprisingly hands-off for seniors.

“I definitely gave them a few ideas for motivation and feedback is generally given but overall, the students have free reign creatively,” Wynn said.

The show was stunning and awe-inspiring and the department is producing art right here on the campus that needs to be seen.

“There is a lot of history behind dance here,” Bayne said. ” I feel really strongly about honoring that and expanding it.”

Briana Monasky can be reached at [email protected]