Dancers flitted around the locker rooms in brightly colored costumes, dabbing glitter under their eyes amid plumes of hairspray. Throughout the organized chaos that is a dressing room before a show, Grand Valley State University seniors Makenna Krylowicz, Emma Armijo, Andre Glover and Hannah Bernhardt prepared to take the stage Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12. They fulfilled their capstone course this semester in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance through a final showcase. The four dancers put together the performance titled “Moiré Patterns” based on the moiré pattern optical illusion, where patterns of overlapping grids create the illusion of movement.

“I tend to hold back on proving myself and my ability with dance,” Kyrlowicz said. “This is my moment to show my personality through movement.” 

Krylowicz’s self-choreographed solo titled “Uncharted Chapter” is a contemporary fusion with themes of resilience and perseverance, illustrating how Krylowicz views herself as a dancer. Krylowicz said she wants to focus on being herself and enjoying her last performance with the GVSU Dance Department.

“There are times when we feel down, it’s (about) reminding myself it’s alright to choose me instead of second-guessing.” 

Krylowicz’s group piece titled “Interfuse” features rhythmic and free-flowing hip-hop movement accentuated with contemporary dance vocabulary. The piece explores the fusion of different genres of movement into one cohesive whole, with the dancers costumed in neon colors and elaborate makeup.

“I am just proud of the dancers that I had the amazing opportunity to work with,” Krylowicz said. “I learned how to test myself as a choreographer and also open the space to try something out of their comfort zone.” 

At the beginning of the winter semester, Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt began the enormous task of creating, funding and performing a complete dance concert. Every part of the showcase was organized by the group, from auditioning dancers, choreographing a group piece and a self-performed solo, raising money for tech production, setting lighting trees and hauling chairs into the performance space. 

“Capstones are so special,” said Jenna Altman, who danced in Armijo’s group piece. “I’m really excited to perform the amazing works these seniors have created, especially after going through the same process last semester.”

Armijo’s group piece titled “Corporeal Projections (Of what we can’t control)” used themes of emotional identity to portray the complexity of an individual’s psyche. Her cast worked together to explore the internal push and pull within a person’s illustration of self.

“Essentially, the group piece is about acknowledging who this person in the dance is thus far in life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful,” Armijo said. “It’s a melancholic sort of vibe. We can see the struggle, but we also see the strength.”

Armijo added that the piece is informed by her own personal journey of growth in the last four years. Her solo also portrays similar themes in a deeper, more personal context. 

Altman said that performing in Armijo’s group piece was cathartic, as it landed in a personal place for her.

“The piece feels good to perform because I was given the chance to identify with the character and relate it to myself,” Altman said. “The piece was literally built for me to express the feelings Emma had in her vision, and in dancing it, I can identify an authentic emotional experience that is also true to me.”

Some dancers were cast in multiple group pieces, such as Haley Rosendale, who performed in both Armijo and Glover’s pieces. Rosendale said that participating in senior capstone projects is one of the most rewarding experiences in the semester. 

“My favorite part about dance capstones is getting to work alongside amazing dancers,” Rosendale said. “The connections that are formed throughout the process are really special.”

Glover’s group piece is titled “A Reflection of Me,” featuring a blend of contemporary ballet movement in a dynamic routine. Through this and his solo, titled “Unseen,” Glover was inspired to explore the authenticity and vulnerability in the choreography as a reflection of finding his own way during his time at GVSU.

“It’s about my journey in college, feeling alone and lost,” Glover said. “(It’s about) dealing with obstacles that came my way over the years and how God has helped me overcome those battles.”

Bernhardt’s solo was also a reflection on the obstacles she’s overcome, and was composed of contemporary and modern movements. Her group piece, “When the Dust Settles,” was an interpretation of the effects of societal challenges on individuals. 

“This has been a lovely process with my beautiful dancers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them,” Bernhardt said. “Our rehearsals have always made me smile, even if I was having a bad day. I am so proud of their hard work and contribution to this process, I cannot thank them enough.”

GVSU dancer Kennedy Maynard, who performed in two of the pieces, said she finds the senior capstone projects a creative and inviting way to work with her friends. 

“My favorite part of the capstone process is getting the opportunity to connect with everyone during rehearsals,” Maynard said. “These groups are such a great support system throughout the semester, and it is nice to have people to lean on inside and outside of rehearsals.” 

Krylowicz, Armijo, Glover and Bernhardt all said they felt a special connection while working with their dancers to put on the showcase. “Moiré Patterns” was a reflection of their own unique illustrations of identity under an artistic lens and their all-encompassing, end-of-year send-off.