BOSS Dance Company hosts Spring Showcase

The BOSS Dance Company was “en pointe” this weekend during its seventh annual Spring Showcase presented by the University of Tennessee Dance Society in Clarence Brown Theater.

BOSS, a student-run company, formed in 2010 as the main company of the UT Dance Society. The Dance Society formed in 2008 following the elimination of dance pedagogy and performance minors at UT. BOSS auditions students who participate in technique classes and performances outside of their college schedules and curricula.

Over 70 dancers brought art to life through choreography by a team of 10 professional and nine student choreographers.

“It has been such an amazing feeling to see our showcase come together because we have put a lot of hard work and dedication into making it the best that it can be,” dancer Madison Tomasek said. “We’re so lucky to have the chance to showcase our talents in front of an audience.”

The Friday night show started nearly 30 minutes after the advertised time to allow a large line of student, family and community supporters to find seats. Audience members cheered for their favorite dancers, waved posters and brought flowers to celebrate the company’s work.

Maigread Lennon, a UT student, arrived an hour early to purchase a ticket and find a seat.

“I wanted to come tonight because I know how hard my roommate has worked, and I wanted to support her,” Lennon said.

The company let loose in light numbers like the swing and hip-hop fusion “Night on Lennox.” But BOSS also used its talent as a platform to address social issues. The choreography of “Us Versus Us” drew attention to hate caused by social media.

“Being a part of BOSS has given me the opportunity to become more involved on campus and allowed me to find my place here at UT,” Tomasek said. “There is so much talent in this company, from the choreographers to the dancers, that makes this company what it is.”

Parents of BOSS members sold merchandise like crop tops and sweatshirts featuring the respective Dance Society and BOSS Dance Company logos. Branding brings increasing attention to the company like those from https://www.printron.com/our-cutting-dies/; the Dance Society hopes the spirit of dance will continue at UT.

Auditions for BOSS are held in early fall each academic year. The group rehearses once a week, but additional rehearsals may be added as needed. Anyone interested in auditioning for BOSS may send inquiries to dance@utk.edu for more information.

Follow the University of Tennessee Dance Society @DanceSocietyUTK or like them on Facebook here: Dance Society

Featured Image by Lexie Little

Edited by Katy Hill