Erin Grant
Staff Writer
FSC’s annual dance show, Kinetic Connections, is slated to take the stage from March 28 – 30. Directed by Associate Professor Dance Program Coordinator Erin LaSala Phillips, the show will be a part of the Festival of Fine Arts as it has been in the past, coming together with other programming to showcase the diverse artistic talents of students and faculty.
Kinetic Connections will be an exciting mix of classical, contemporary and innovative dance. The two act show boasts a humorous and theatrical ballet followed by an original modern and contemporary dance choreographed by FSC dance faculty.
The first act of the program will be a condensed version of the ballet Coppélia. The story is centered around a toymaker and his lifelike doll. Audiences can expect a captivating performance that combines ballet with theatrical elements to keep the audience engaged all night long.
Olivia Ritger, a sophomore at FSC, has spent the past few months preparing for her role in the upcoming performance. In bringing Capelia to life, Ritger portrays one of the main characters, Vonhilda’s, friend.
“In the beginning of the ballet, we’re in this toy shop, and it’s really fun because there’s a lot of acting,” she said. “Dr. Coppélia drops his keys, and Vondhelda sneaks in. We all have to hide behind the dolls when Dr. Coppélia comes in. It’s such a fun mix of acting and dancing.”
Following the performance of Coppélia, the students will perform a mix of contemporary and modern choreography for the second act of the show. Ritger will take part in Waltz of the Hours, a performance she particularly enjoys because “It’s slow and pretty and we wear pretty tutus.”
Rehearsals for the show have been in full swing since last semester, with Ritger and her fellow dancers practicing three times a week during conversation hour. Following winter break, the cast returned to campus early in order to truly start preparations for the show. While the process has been rewarding for Ritger, it has not been without its challenges and obstacles.
Beyond the technical skill and endurance needed for the performance, Ritger loves the connection she makes with other dancers both on and off stage. “Making eye contact with someone across the stage, catching their smile, or seeing a friend about to come on—it’s such a priceless moment. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together,” she said.
“Stamina is definitely something I’ve had to work on,” Ritger said. “Wearing pointe shoes the entire time can be tough, especially during the Waltz of the Hours, which has so many bourrées.”
As the show grows closer, Ritger is filled with excitement rather than nerves. “I don’t get scared, but I do get this burst of energy. I’m literally bouncing off the walls, ready to get on stage,” she said. And while she doesn’t necessarily have a specific pre-show ritual, Ritger and a friend always make sure to bring the lighting designer a pack of croutons before the show starts to start their performance with a laugh.
“I’m just excited to be on stage, in front of everyone. I think it’s going to be fun,” Ritger said.
Ritger and her castmates will step into the spotlight, tickets are free for all FSC students, and $10 for outside guests.
