As the curtain opened, OU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts dance majors took the spotlight for their final performance at the university.

On Saturday, March 7, seniors showcased their final level of choreography after seven months of preparation. With consistent practice and various classes, the seniors were sure to be ready for this memorable night.

Although the seniors are the highlight of the show, the behind-the-scenes work put in equal effort to making a memorable show.

Alison Woerner, senior dance recital advisor, has worked side by side with the performing seniors to make sure the show will go on, and that it will go on perfectly.

“I make sure everything is getting done by the students that needs to be done for a successful concert on and off the stage,” Woerner said.

Time and practice were crucial in creating a successful show. Woerner and the seniors worked together to produce such a performance.

The seniors have taken on three levels of choreography up until this point, which includes a senior dance concert that is split into two semesters.

The first semester, each senior creates a solo work that they also perform at the end of the semester in a showing for the dance faculty. The following winter semester is when they create their group work that they are not permitted to perform in themselves, according to Woerner.

The concert is then the compilation of each senior’s solo and group work.

The courses are split into two different semesters in order to make sure students are prepared, but at the same time not overwhelmed, Woerner said.

“I came on to Oakland University in 2009 as a full time professor and one of my courses was DAN 470 Senior Recital,” said Woerner. “This is one of my favorite courses because I have a front row seat to watch these students become young artists.”

Although the show feature group performances,, the solos are what allow the seniors to show off their skills.

In early September the seniors spend time writing and sifting through topics and games with the writings. They then begin to create movement phrases based off their writing. After advising and participating in workshops, they start to piece together their solos.

By January, solos are complete and Woerner places them on committees to produce the concert.

“The show is a compilation of the seniors’ hard work and true exploration of their own creativity,” Woerner said.