Cornell University: Dance Collective show champions veterinary community creativity

As the lights in the Hangar Theatre dimmed, the performers shone at the Cornell Veterinary Dance Collective Spring 2022 Showcase. Aptly named “The Revival,” the April 23 event marked the group’s first return since the coronavirus pandemic stoppered such performances two years ago.

The Dance Collective is a non-audition-based dance group open to individuals of any level and style, primarily comprised of members of the College of Veterinary Medicine community. “We serve as a creative outlet for individuals who would like a fun and casual way to express themselves through movement and to meet others with similar interests during our open classes,” said Elsbeth Kane, M.P.H. ’21, D.V.M. ’23. Kane and fellow veterinary students Peyton Cole, D.V.M. ’23, and Abigail DeJohn, D.V.M. ’23, are the Dance Collective’s co-officers for the academic year. Since its creation in 2011, the group has offered performance and choreography opportunities to participants, typically culminating in an annual springtime showcase.

For “The Revival,” a program of 40 dancers performed routines designed by 10 choreographers, each highlighting unique skills and dance styles. Considering the two-year gap since their last showcase, the officers were delighted to see over 250 people in the audience, raising $1,900 for the group to use toward dance flooring and costuming. “We were blown away when we saw most of the Hangar Theatre full of family, friends, colleagues and professors,” Kane said.