5X5 USJ Dance Ensemble Behind the Scenes!

Nova Brown 

This year, the USJ Dance Ensemble will be performing in the 5X5 24th Dance Festival! I was given the opportunity by Susan Murphy to interview one of her elegant dancers, Arlena Michaud. 

Q: What is the USJ Dance Ensemble about, how was it formed? 

A: It’s both an academic as well as extracurricular activity. It has been a group since around the start of the university.

Q: Oh, that is so fascinating! Remind us, what got you into the dance world as a nursing student?

A: I have been dancing since I was 3 and felt something missing in my college life. Dance Ensemble is such an inclusive group and a lovely group of people so it was almost like it was the best of both worlds getting back to dancing.

Q: What makes this 5X5 special and what are you most excited about? 

A: The common theme this semester is community and the 5×5 dance festivals always center around the school’s common theme for the year. So the dances will all have an aspect of community, which is nice because sometimes it might not be an obvious message.

Q: What about a spoiler? Can you tell us anything about this upcoming performance? 

A: Our performance is a variety of music styles all surrounding the idea of almost a house party, mixed with some drama and really just having a fun time as a group. There are dramatic music changes with popular artists that many are familiar with, so I would definitely recommend coming to get the full effect. Tickets are free for students and discounted for senior citizens and alumni. All are welcome and are encouraged to attend!

This year on November 8th, the USJ Dance Ensemble along with other dance companies will be performing in the Hoffman Auditorium from 7pm. 

Be prepared to be amazed!

Check out their instagram page for more updates: usj.dance