The Beaucoup section experienced the University of Louisiana at Lafayette School of Performing Arts Dance Program’s 2024 State of LA Danse. The program included “Paquita (excerpts),” “To something over there,” “Dance! Sing! Fly!,” “Circles of Influence,” “Don’t, Kiss. Louisiana” and “Dissolve in My Hands.” Below are the writer’s thoughts.
Marie Ducote
Allons Writer
Every time I see a dance performance at the University I am always blown away by the talent of the students. This most recent State of La Danse exceeded my expectations. Each of the six performances highlighted different types of dance styles and music.
The first performance was a traditional ballet and the final dance was something more modern. The dancers deserve all the clapping and standing ovations they received.
It is hard to pick one dance to highlight every time one ends. I was anxious to see what I was about to see next. Since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated by ballet, I think because the costumes are always so pretty.
The highlights of the show for me were of course the ballet “Paquita” and the broadway-esque “Dance! Sing! Fly!” After the intermissions were some of the more emotionally charged dances. This displays the power of dance and how movement can affect the audience emotionally.
I cannot wait to see what the dancers put on next.
Kay Padilla
Editor-In-Chief
Dance is one of my favorite things in the world, so I was beyond thrilled to get to see State of LA Danse again! My favorite style of dance is ballet, so “Paquita” was beautiful to watch. Ballet always makes me feel nostalgic for my past dancing days. I loved how graceful, yet strong the dancers were.
My next favorite dance would have been “Dance! Sing! Fly!” I love Fosse jazz choreography and how it is very theatrical. The music also added more to the performance. The dancers were obviously incredible and I could tell they had fun with that number.
In the show that I went to, I sadly was not able to see “Don’t, Kiss. Louisiana,” but my friends who did get to see it said it was very emotional and beautiful. I am sad I could not see it.
“Circles of Influence” was mesmerizing to watch as the dancers mimicked and followed each other around. All of the dance numbers were amazing, I cannot pick just one favorite.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam
Managing Editor
The State of La Danse was the first ever performance I have attended at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette since my time here as a student. It was such a wonderful experience.
Everything from the choreography, to the music to the colors was fantastic. I was unfortunately late to the event and missed the first number, “Paquita,” which also happened to be a ballet performance. I love ballet, so a part of me is regretful that time just didn’t work out on Saturday.
However, from the performances I was present for, my favorite was the “Circles of Influence.” The soft ambient music and hues of monochrome purple completely stole my heart. The graceful, collaborative movements of the dancers cohesively began and ended the entire number with lasting impressions.
All in all, the State of La Danse showcased a creative display of talent amongst students who came together to display the various forms of modern dance to the University and local community. Their display of creativity and professionalism further amplified the prestige of arts at UL Lafayette.
Ellie Schmidt
Layout Manager
This was my first time attending a performance at the University, and I was really excited, though I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I didn’t know much about State of La Danse beforehand, so I was very surprised by the performances I saw. I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage.
My favorite performance was “To Something Over There.” At first, I found it a bit confusing, but the interpretive and theatrical movements, along with the storytelling, quickly drew me in.
I’m not sure if there was a specific story, but the way they performed left room for many different interpretations of the dancing.
Every other performance was just as beautiful.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see “Don’t, Kiss. Louisiana” in my showing, but the pictures looked incredible.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable experience! It’s made me want to attend more performances in the future!
