Dancers perform at 25th Opening Door show

Nov 2 2009 - 11:46pm | Thea Setterbo

Jake Marx/Star photo

Opening Door Dance Theatre presented its 25th anniversary show Thursday and Friday at Evans Auditorium.

The group was started in 1984 by LeAnne Smith and two other women to provide an opportunity for advanced dancers to gain experience.

“We wanted to bring a more professional level of dance to Texas State,” said Smith, director of dance.

The annual show provides an opportunity for Opening Door to showcase its dancers, visual artists, composers and choreographers.

The company is primarily faculty driven, but guest artists, dance students and alumni are often appointed to perform and choreograph dances.

Caroline Sutton Clark, adjunct faculty, was commissioned by Opening Door to choreograph a solo for Smith.

“We started working on the solo in July,” Clark said.

Opening Door performances are available to the Texas State and San Marcos communities.

“We want everyone to be able to view dance in a non-intimidating setting,” Smith said.

Wendy Hambidge, choreographer and dancer, was brought in from Oregon to assist with the showcase.

“Knowledge breeds appreciation,” Hambidge said before the first performance.

Alaina Flores, dance sophomore, showed her appreciation for the show.

“The choreography really showcased everything the dance company can do,” Flores said.

Lindsey Prichard, dance sophomore, agreed.

“All of the pieces were original,” Prichard said.

The show included a wide range of dance performances, from the simplistic and calm to the loud and engaging.

Sweatpants and tank tops were worn for some performances, but for others, more elaborate costumes completed the dances.

Smith said she was grateful for the opportunity to play a part in two varying pieces.

“I loved the different types of expression,” Smith said. “I loved the first (dance) for its history and the second was just blatantly fun.”

Smith said she was satisfied overall with the show.

“I was overwhelmed at how great it turned out,” Smith said. “We had a very responsive audience, which makes our job easier.”

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