Creativity in every step

Many performers will tell you they hope to move their audiences, but Golden West College dance instructor Nannette Brodie really means it.

“We want the audience to be moved by what we’re doing,” Brodie said. “We want them to want to get up and dance.”

The college’s dance department will try to do just that this weekend when it presents its annual dance show “Move Me.”

The show incorporates dances and music that span generations and come from around the globe. There will be everything from jazz to hip-hop and even a farcical ballet piece involving some brightly colored bird costumes.

Brodie is the show’s artistic director, but the students choreographed many of the dances. Each brings a different style and perspective to the show.

Crystal Taylor takes her experiences traveling the world and puts them into dance. Her dance in the show is a Polynesian-themed piece with a hula dancing and traditional pu’ ili sticks that the dancers clap together to keep the rhythm.

There are also some conceptual dances, like a tribute to femininity and the goddess figure and another dealing with the theme of death.

As the students testify, learning a dance with a group is a bonding experience. They have to learn the steps together and help one another work through their strengths and weaknesses.

“I think you have to have that camaraderie or it just doesn’t work,” dancer Andy Lorentz said.

The dancers get together outside of class multiple times a week to practice. They work on staging and costumes together too.

“I love my girls; they’re my sisters,” Janin Ramirez said.

Brodie said it’s a good thing for students who are feeling their way through the beginning of their college experience.

“When people are in high school, they’re in their groups but when you go to college you’re more alone. When you get involved with theater productions you start making a lot of friends; there’s a real support system,” Brodie said.

Lorentz said that’s useful in a group with so many levels of experience. “Some people have never performed before, and some have been doing it since they were kids.”

The dancers have even more responsibility than just performing. They do quite a bit of work, like sewing their costumes — yet another creative release for a generally creative bunch.

“Dancers end up being inventive and kind of craft-y,” Brodie said.

Who: Golden West College dance department

What: Move Me

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $15 general, $10 ASB/seniors

Information: www.gwctheater.com