For the Cal Poly Ballroom Dance Team, preparing for Illuminate begins long before opening night.
This year’s performance at the Performing Arts Center was built around a single song selection, with choreographers crafting the routine to match both the music’s tone and their creative vision. The result blends technical ballroom figures with added theatrical elements designed specifically for the showcase.
Unlike competition routines, which follow strict bronze, silver and gold syllabus guidelines, Illuminate allows the team to experiment. Dancers can incorporate lifts, dips and stylized transitions that would not be permitted in formal competitive settings.
With only eight dancers on stage, precision and partnership are critical. Choreographers completed the routine months in advance to allow time for teaching, refining and synchronizing movements before the February performance date.
Preparation has included navigating injuries, illness and tight rehearsal schedules. Despite those challenges, the team says the opportunity to perform in front of a campus audience makes the effort worthwhile.