EUDC’s “Colorful” represents team mission

Elmhurst University Dance Company’s annual spring showcase was held on April 13-14 in the Hammerschmidt Chapel. 

This year’s performance was called “Colorful,”  and Head Captain Emerson Azcoitia commented on how the showcase got its name. 

“This year was focused on the joy and creation of dancing,” said Azcoitia. “Our goal was to fill the studio with fun and laughter and watch the dances be inspired and come together. We used the song ‘Colorful’ by Jukebox the Ghost for our senior football game and the team fell in love with it. ‘Colorful just seemed a perfect fit.’”

Part of EUDC’s mission as a dance team is to provide an open, safe space for everyone, no matter whether one has dance experience or not. Currently, the team has people with experience not only in dance but also in color guard, figure skating, and other backgrounds.

Azcoitia is committed to making dance inclusive and accessible. 

“I have been an advocate for bridging the gap of access to dance,” said Azcoitia. “I am honored that people who have been hurt by the dance industry or people who do not feel welcomed in it want to come dance and trust us as a team to support them.” 

Freshman Jasmine Simone expressed that she was nervous at first but is grateful that she joined. 

“I was a bit nervous, since I auditioned my first semester of college, but everyone has been so kind and supportive,” Simone said. “I’m so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to join this team.”

This year’s team was made up of almost entirely new members, but they quickly came together like they had been teammates for years. 

“New people bring their diverse perspectives and push a team to new levels,” Azcoitia said of the team. “This team has made it extremely easy to lead. They are kind, they are compassionate, they support each other, and they show up in their authentic, beautiful selves.”

Simone continued her thoughts on being a part of the team. 

“Being able to continue my dancing career is amazing, especially alongside such wonderful friends,” Simone said. “These past two semesters with EUDC have been formative in a dancer and personal perspective.”

She further stated that she would not trade being on the team for anything and that she is excited to see what the next season has in store.

On top of the apparent closeness and friendships of the team, the showcase had a variety of dances that featured different levels of technique and style to highlight and represent everyone on the team. From lyrical and contemporary, to musical theater, to tap, the showcase had a little bit of many styles. 

One of the two tap pieces in the show was choreographed by Simone, having been a vision she had for years. 

“Finally being able to apply this vision physically and see other dancers perform it was really rewarding,” said Simone.

The showcase also featured a “seniors only” dance to celebrate the graduating seniors of the team: Samuel Shulman, Adriana Briscoe, and Tara Folino. 

Folino joined the team in the fall of 2023 and expressed her gratitude for the team. 

“I feel like this was the safest environment I’ve ever been in in terms of a team,” Folino said. “I am so thankful to have met, danced with, and grown closer to all of the lovely people that make up our team.”

Folino continued that she has felt included and that she feels her presence was valued as a member of EUDC.

“I felt a little silly hesitating to join a school organization as a senior, but it honestly could not have worked out for the better,” said Folino.

“Colorful” was fun and filled with many jokes between some of the numbers, giving the audience a further insight into the team and what it’s about. The bond between the team members was evident and made the showcase stand out as they danced.

Many of the members are excited to see what next year’s showcase will look like.