Troy University’s “Tempo” was an exhilarating and intense dance showcase only made possible by the cumulative efforts of students and professionals, from choreographers, dancers and set artists. Students involved with the recently wrapped dance production sat down with The Tropolitan to shed light on the work that went into the performance. Troy University’s Department of Theatre and Dance closed the curtains on “Tempo,” its spring dance concert held in the Trojan Center Theater, for the final time on Sunday after six performances spanning two weekends.“‘Tempo’ was a big animal, but we finished on top,” said James Boyd, the director of “Tempo” and a Troy University lecturer of dance.
Boyd likened the performances to a “really good salad,” where everything was just right, worked well together and was, of course, healthy.
Madison Alward is a senior dance major from Fort Myers, Florida, who worked as a performing artist for “Tempo.” She is set to graduate in May and closed her collegiate dance experience with the performances.
“The experience of ‘Tempo’ was both exciting and stressful, but really just has me excited for this new chapter in my life,” Alward said. “I’m extremely thankful ‘Tempo’ is my closing show for dance here at Troy University.
“The bonds that grew stronger because of ‘Tempo’ and the emotions that I was able to rediscover thanks to ‘Tempo’ would not have happened otherwise, and for that I will be forever thankful.”
One major highlight of ‘Tempo’ for Alward was the relationships and connections she developed with her and her three dance partners, who formed a quartet for a piece named “Remain(s).”
The piece was choreographed by Nick Korkos, a nationally renowned photographer, dancer and choreographer Alward had met and worked with prior to the show.
“Because this cast is so small and intimate, we were really able to connect as a whole and when working together for many months, you end up creating a relationship that simply cannot be explained unless you watch it live, firsthand,” Alward said. “It is then and there that you can see the passion, the pain, the hurt, the joy and the immense feeling that is put into a work.”
Jenna Kelley, a senior theatre major from Leeds, Alabama, worked on “Tempo” as a makeup supervisor. Working behind the scenes, she was in charge of applying and making sure the makeup worn by the performers was applied properly for every performance.
“Tempo, as a show, was beautiful,” Kelley said. “The choreography was brilliant, the dancers were beautiful, and the designs were striking.
“From the background, as most things, it could be quite stressful. It takes so many people to get a show running, and turning that sheer number of people into a machine is difficult.”
Kelley shared some benefits of working on big productions like “Tempo.”“From working ‘Tempo,’ I’ve gotten the most invaluable resource in this industry: experience,” Kelley said. “Every production has its own challenges; that’s why working often is important.
“It builds those creative problem-solving skills. Experience is the basis of knowledge in this industry, and I will take as much of it as I can.”
Another performer for “Tempo” was Mikiya Smith, a sophomore dance major from North Little Rock, Arkansas. Smith also worked as a marketer for “Tempo,” something she said was very new to her as it was her first year on the Audience Engagement Team.
“‘Tempo’ has been such a wonderful experience, and it has brought out a different side of me that I did not think I would see until later on in my career,” Smith said. “It has pushed me beyond my capabilities, and I am very grateful for that.
“Being involved in Tempo has given me a new appreciation for this art form and has shown me that I am capable of any and everything. I’ve gained more insight into what it means to be a performer and an artist.
“I am so grateful for this show, and I know that this show will have a lasting impact on my life.”
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