Celebrate movement, culture, and community at Illuminate 2025, Cal Poly’s biggest student-run dance showcase. From months of rehearsals to the final bow, experience the passion and dedication of performers as they bring their stories to life on stage. Featuring a diverse range of dance styles and traditions, Illuminate is more than just a show—it’s a […]
Category: Illuminate 2025
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Performing at Illuminate, a showcase uniting cultural dance communities
This is a cross-published piece with KCPR, more information can be found here. In a nook of the recreational center to the loading docks between buildings, Cal Poly’s dance teams spent months perfecting their steps to match the beat of the music and every single pointed toe. Their dedication will culminate in one moment: the drawing […]
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The lead up to MERGE’s jazz performance at Illuminate
This is a black-tie event–but not the kind you’re thinking of. “Five, six, seven, eight!” Seina Haruta, president of MERGE, shouts as she counts the dancers in with music bumping against the walls of studio 2. Black ties lay across dancers’ chests, draping over their leggings and Nike sports bras, as they prepared for Illuminate […]
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ShanWu’s last dance
Rumor has it the traditional Chinese dance group, ShanWu, is performing for the last time. “That is what is going around,” Shanwu coordinator Syd Tan said. But they are hoping somebody will step up and change that after they graduate. The group was formed four years ago to make traditional Chinese dance more accessible at […]