NMU's CO/LAB Company Dances in Detroit

Northern Michigan University's CO/LAB Dance Company participated in the Detroit Dance City Festival (DDCF) Sept. 7-8, performing a student-choreographed piece outside the Detroit Institute of Arts, watching a professional showcase and attending master classes.

The opportunity surfaced when company member Gianna Daprai decided on a whim to submit the "Fractured Reflections" contemporary dance she choreographed for a campus show earlier this year for consideration. It was accepted by the DDCF and led to a productive and rewarding field trip downstate for a delegation of nine students/recent alumni.

"I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to share my choreography near my hometown and in such a beautiful place," said Daprai, a dance major. "The DIA has been one of my favorite places to go growing up so it was an honor to get to go back home to represent my own artwork amongst many other amazing artists."

"Being able to work with new instructors and share the stage with such amazing dancers is an incredible opportunity and a chance to grow as an artist and performer," added dancer Emma Houston.

NMU's CO/LAB Company performed on the steps outside the festival's central venue, the Detroit Institute of Arts. Additional performances took place inside on the DIA theater stage and in front of Diego Rivera's famed Detroit Industry murals.

"Our students had quite a large audience sitting on the stairs, in lawn chairs and on blankets around the summer stage; it was a beautiful scene. They also went to three master classes-contemporary, counter technique and partnering-led by professional dancers who performed in the showcase," said Karina Johnson CO/LAB artistic director, who accompanied the group along with Jill Grundstrom, NMU Theatre & Dance assistant department head.

"It is so beneficial to watch and interact with other dancers, both professionals and those from other colleges and universities. Exposing our students to a bigger-city environment with its live performances and festivals will teach them more about the industry and inspire them to work more, dance more and create choreography they've never thought of or seen before. Experiences like this make them stronger dancers, both in physicality and in their minds."

The Detroit Dance City Festival, which just marked its 12th year, is an annual community-building event that celebrates dance in its various forms and disciplines. According to its website, the DDCF's mission is to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking Michigan, the greater U.S. and the world.