It was 6.55pm. The dressing room was hazy with hairspray and deodorant. At every mirror stood a dancer, adding the finishing touches of glitter to heavily-made up faces. A hum of excited chatter flooded the hallway beyond, where dancers gathered to stretch and stress in solidarity. Over the intercom, the stage manager gave the final call for the first number.
This was it. This was Surge, 2016.
Four months ago, when I agreed to take on the role of Projects Manager for the Dance Show Committee, I had no idea what I was signing up to. I knew I would be in charge of some auditions, a few flash mobs, a photoshoot here and there – but did I know I had just agreed to help create a show that would sell out the Peacock Theatre? Did I know I would be working alongside the most dedicated, passionate, supportive Committee and Cast I would ever have the pleasure of working with? Did I know I was about to have the most fulfilling experience of my LSE life so far? Far from it. I just thought it sounded like a bit of fun.
Don’t get me wrong it was definitely fun! But it was also so much more than that. When last Monday I found myself on stage in front of one thousand eager spectators, surrounded by dancers whose love for one another and for their art shone brighter than any spotlight, I knew we’d created something truly special. The show far exceeded my expectations – and trust me, I had high expectations. As I had grown to know the one hundred people who worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality, I had begun to sense that we were doing something pretty incredible. Yet still, as we took our final bows and the room erupted in a sonic boom of applause, I was totally blown away. All the hard work, the sweat, toil and tears were suddenly totally, entirely worth it. I had never felt so alive, nor so much a part of something much, much bigger than myself.
This is what makes LSE Dance Club so special: that commitment to something more, to something larger than life. Dancing here isn’t a fashion show; it’s not about image or perfection or anything skin-deep. For these amazing guys and girls, dance is about the energy, the emotion, the passion. It is a way of expressing yourself and of connecting with others. Being a part of this Club has taught me so much about the meaning of both discipline and compassion. Most importantly, it has taught me what it means to be vulnerable, to allow yourself to be open to the world and not closed down in fear. Honestly, this lesson may even be more important than anything I’ve learned academically, and I will be forever grateful to those who have helped me learn it.
For any of you who missed Surge, the entire performance is now up on YouTube! Just click that link to re-live the entire performance, bows and all! And please do join us next year! No previous ability required – all we ask is that you’re up for the time of your life.
Image credit: Emilie Pria
