Worlds Collide at “Spring Into Dance”

Ohio Northern’s “Spring Into Dance” show was a captivating exhibition of diverse dance genres, thoughtful costume design, and vibrant visuals. Twelve pieces were performed by the ONU Dance Company to express themes of growth and renewal fitting for the beginning of a new semester.

Not all performers in the show minored in dance or are pursuing the arts professionally. More than 40 students from over a dozen majors participated in February’s show to bring the creative performance to life. 

Jason Porter Jr. and Olive Barricklow are an example of two student performers who come from different educational backgrounds. They both joined the production with a passion for dance and left with lessons that will shape their careers after graduation.

Jason Porter Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight. The second-year musical theater student has an array of shows under his belt including Ohio Northern’s production of Hello, Dolly! last spring. Picking up a dance minor is a logical step for someone with Porter’s career aspirations, as theater and dance are harmonious disciplines rooted in visual storytelling.

Transitioning into the dance show at the beginning of the semester presented a unique challenge to Porter. He temporarily traded his polished vocal talent for the finesse of precise choreography. The training required for quick, three-minute performances was different than he expected. The swift environment combined with limited means of expression taught Porter the value of “endurance, rest, and the importance of showing up despite hardship.”

“I’ve never gotten to have an experience like this before, performing three, 3-minute pieces where I’m moving basically the entire time, and a good amount of attention is on me …” wrote Porter. “Working with each of the choreographers, I really practiced the repetition of working my body in the very specific ways needed to execute the choreography in the style of each piece.”

“Watching You Through a Mirror” was a heartfelt piece Porter performed alongside his classmate Ryan Murphy. The pair donned minimalist, button-down shirts paired with trousers when they emerged onstage. A melodic piano instrumental echoed throughout the auditorium as Porter and Murphy portrayed the mixed emotions of a fractured relationship. What starts out as two dancers performing in tandem evolves into two people growing farther apart from each other. 

The dance can be interpreted in many ways based on emotions, culture and experiences. Porter found the piece to be a representation of trust and the comfort of finding security in others.

“Trust is a big deal to me in my personal life, and I really tried to bring that onto stage,” reflected Porter. “Something as simple and small as reaching for someone’s hand can be just as impactful as knowing a certain someone will catch you if-and-when you fall.”

Spring Into Dance was not the first time Porter and Murphy performed “Watching You Through a Mirror.” The routine premiered last semester to showcase the choreography of junior Lenore McBean and was reimagined for February’s show. Months of practice and refinement helped the duo tell a complex story in an artistic way.

“The piece, back in December, was a gift to perform in front of our peers. Due to the nature of Spring Into Dance, we got to see what the process was like bringing back an old work, revamping things we already knew, and adding other elements to it like new costumes, new choreography, and lighting. It was a magical experience that I only pray to experience again.” – Jason Porter Jr.

“Spring Into Dance” was an opportunity for Porter to elevate his performing arts skills and learn new storytelling techniques. However, not all students in the show are regulars on the stage. Performers like Olive Barricklow view dance as a creative outlet amidst the stress of college. 

Barricklow spends most of her day sitting in classrooms as a communications and public relations student. Minoring in dance broke up the monotony of her busy schedule so she can participate in an activity she enjoys. Besides, dancing in front of hundreds of people in the Performing Arts Center makes delivering presentations in lecture halls significantly less daunting. 

Communication studies are not as distant from dance as one may think. Every movement in a routine is carefully selected by a choreographer to tell a story. Dancers are responsible for conveying those messages to the audience while bringing to life their own interpretations. Years of collaborating with choreographers to depict a resonating narrative has led Barricklow to “truly believe that dance is a form of communication.”

“Everyone views each piece differently, whether they understand the message or not,” noted Barricklow, “but I at least want to make sure that I have performed the piece in a way that the overall feeling the choreographer intended is present.”

February’s performance was more than just a dance routine to Barricklow; it was the reminder she needed to stay confident in her artistry. A dance-related knee injury a few years ago left her apprehensive. There was a fear in the back of her mind that she may push herself too hard and get hurt again, or she may never be the same dancer she was before.

Being chosen for “Spring Into Dance” gave Barricklow hope for her future in dance, but performing onstage awarded her the self-assurance she needed to dance fearlessly. 

“I have proved to myself that I am still the dancer I was before my injury, just with a couple of screws in my leg. I can still do leaps and turns just the same as before, and most of all, my passion for dance has never disappeared.” – Olive Barricklow

“Spring Into Dance” connected a diverse cast of students through their shared passion for dance and creative expression. The lasting takeaways from this experience will be remembered by student dancers though the years to come.