By Samantha Sedlack Special to The Chronicle
It was so good, that graduating senior and Danceworks Production president Nicole “Flo” Flores already reserved her ticket for next year.
Hofstra had its dancing shoes tightly fastened on Monday and Tuesday night as the 87 member dance organization performed 13 student choreographed tap, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop pieces. Enthralling a raucous crowd with hip-hop piece titled “Sicker Than Your Average,” choreographed by Nikki Gyftopoulos, social chair of Danceworks, the show started off with a bang. “I think they opened the show really nicely putting the hip-hop first kind,” audience member Luigi Casimir said. “It kind of hyped everyone up. Casimir, like many attending, is not a part of the Hofstra community, but attended the show to support someone he knew. Danceworks events are one of the few events that pack out Adams Playhouse every semester. With a diverse demographic to please, each number told a different story and conveyed ranging emotions, resonating with all in attendance. After a contemporary piece choreographed by Maribeth Cacchioli, Danceworks philanthropy chair, Melissa Walsh spoke about Danceworks’ recent efforts in Relay For Life, raising $6,130. In a jazz piece filled with women donned in camouflage shirts and black skirts Danceworks allowed onlookers to “swing Back to the ‘40s.” Men came out in retro soldier attire and joined the ladies midway through the song to finish in unison. A dozen dancers gave the only tap performance of the night entitled “Rhythm Got Me Feelin’ Crazy.” Choreographed by Alexis Robbins, the troupe of girls danced to an acapella version of “Naughty Girl” by Beyonce. Starting with their backs to the audience, the girls turned tap into a sultry act, enthralling the crowd. “The performances went so smoothly and all the dancers poured themselves into the pieces,” tap dancer Kenni O’Donnel said. “It really makes the show enjoyable for the dancers and the audience.” Alex Kuhlke had the crowd going wild when she led a twenty student crew to “Queen Will Rock You,” to put the perfect cap on a successful show. Senior and president of the club, Nicole “Flo” Flores, gave a bittersweet thank you speech saying, “Don’t worry, we [seniors] already reserved our tickets for next year.”