Missing a step: DanceTech faces troubles

Tech has a reputation for being one of the best and most challenging engineering schools in the nation, but its students can bust a move as well as solve differential equations.

There are currently several dance-oriented clubs on campus such as the Ballroom Dance Club, the Salsa Club and DanceTech.

Unfortunately, DanceTech is currently facing serious troubles due to various problems, including a lack of student participation.

Founded in 2003, DanceTech is a non-exclusive, student-based dance club that seeks to bring dance and movement to Tech.

It is composed of an executive board and an ensemble, which includes dancers and choreographers.

DanceTech offers weekly dance workshops in ballet, jazz, modern dance and hip hop and produces a show every semester. There are no limits to how many classes a member can take, and all shows are open to Tech students, faculty and family.

"DanceTech is a performing dance organization. We focus more on show choreography and production, and each semester choreographers announce what skill level their dance is tailored to and what type of dance it will be," said Kristie DeLiso, second-year Chemical Engineering major and vice president of DanceTech.

"DanceTech brought in a few very talented ballet-trained freshmen, but we also have an old-time shim sham dance and capoeria [a Brazilian martial arts style that is centered around dance]," DeLiso said.

Although DanceTech has planned a bright future for Tech's dancers, it is now facing significant problems in making that future a reality.

"Our main challenge right now is building a strong base of choreographers, dancers and leaders that are committed to putting on a great show and ensuring the financial and membership aspects of DanceTech," DeLiso said.

One of the major issues DanceTech is facing is the lack of a dedicated team and financial support.

"The members we have right now are great. But most club members just want to dance and not lend a hand in helping to run the club [or do things] like fundraising. Since the CRC started charging for studio space, we are at a loss for good practice rooms," DeLiso said.

However, the DanceTech team is working together to find solutions to these problems so the club can continue on campus.

"We are holding more regular teaching workshops to try to increase the diversity of our dances and interest in DanceTech from beginner dancers," DeLiso said.

DeLiso outlined other plans to improve the organization's situation.

"To raise money and increase attendance at our shows, we plan on holding raffles at our shows and better publicizing our club," she said.

Many DanceTech members think it is absolutely crucial to have the organization around on campus. They say that dancing is not only fun, but it is a great way to relax and get away from books and labs.

"I think that creativity is the basis for innovation, so why not start with the most creative outlets there are? [Being creative] helps build rounded and cultured people who are aware of the importance of every aspect of life," said Joanna Futral, a second-year Applied Mathematics major.

Futral joined DanceTech not long ago. Before coming to Tech, she was a part of Augusta Ballet's second company.

"[Dance] can be used simply to keep in shape in an interesting way, or it can be used to create something to express meaning," Futral said of her love for dance.

"I was a part of a dance team last year, but didn't find it as fulfilling as using dance to create an emotion... I think [DanceTech] has amazing potential, but it is hard to get people who want to commit time and effort to a dance group," Futral said.

DanceTech's upcoming spring performance, themed "A Blast from the Past," is free of charge to all Tech students and will be held April 20 in the Ferst Center for the Arts.

"I think the best thing that the student body can do to help is to show up to the performance and participate in the raffles. More than 80 percent of campus doesn't even know we exist," Futral said.

"If we can get over 500 people at our show in the Ferst Center we have a better chance of getting future SGA funding for renting out the Ferst Center. We just want the student body to know that we welcome everybody's membership, and it is never too late to join," DeLiso said.

To find out more about DanceTech, visit cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/dancetech or e-mail Kristie DeLiso at k.deliso@gatech.edu.