Student-run club brings dancers together
For 35 years, Modernextension Dance Company has given Tar Heels a place to improvise and choreograph.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary at Carolina, the student-run Modernextension Dance Company helps dancers develop skills in performance and behind the scenes. MX company members specialize in modern, contemporary, jazz and lyrical dance styles, practiced and performed in a professional yet noncompetitive atmosphere.
“I picked MX over other companies because I appreciated the sense of community as well as being able to train like I did growing up,” said Lacey McLamb, president of MX. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. That really drew me to the group because I was looking for any way to dance without facing the same intensity and competition that surrounds a lot of dance environments.”
Each year, MX dancers rehearse and take master classes from local dance teachers to prepare for two performances, an improv show in the fall and a choreographed recital in the spring. For the 2023 improv performance at the Ackland Art Museum, company members drew inspiration from the surrounding artwork as they performed, guiding the audience on short tours through the galleries. The group’s next performance is set for April 13 at East Chapel Hill High School.
“We work towards this performance all year round, so it is incredibly rewarding for both our student choreographers and dancers when our pieces finally come together,” said Audrey Zuck, MX secretary.
Student-led dance
Apart from guest rehearsals, everything about MX is student-run. All small group rehearsals, choreographed dances and fundraising are made possible by the student members of the organization.
These dancers all trained in different styles, at different studios, with completely different experiences, but they come together here to pursue a common goal, a comforting collaborative effort in such a large university.
Zuck, who is majoring in political science, found her place in MX after she transferred to Carolina.
“Dance has brought me the kind of joy that could not be replaced by anything else. When I came to Carolina, I knew I needed to bring dance back into my life, and I found that in MX,” she said.
“My favorite part of being in MX is the people. I have met some of my closest friends since I joined, and I love getting to set choreography with them and also learn from them.”
In addition to dance, company members develop other skills needed to produce a show. These include choreography as well as the administrative side of production, from fundraising to securing stage lighting.
MX dancers take master classes from local dance teachers and perform an improv show and choreographed recital yearly. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Dancers in MX rehearse and create choreography four days a week in Woollen Gymnasium.
With complete creative freedom, choreographers work hard to create many intriguing dances for their fellow company members.
“I love choreography and teaching. Getting to see my choreography come to life is so rewarding,” said McLamb, one of the choreographers. “Dance is a creative outlet that has no boundaries. A dance can carry so many emotions and make somebody watching feel as if they are in the movement.”
A management and society major, McLamb wants to open her own dance studio after college because dance has played such a large role in her life. MX has given her the skills to pursue that path.
“Being a part of a dance company and leading a group like MX is not only letting me continue my passion for dance, but also help me prepare for my future career,” McLamb said.
