On Saturday, Feb. 15, Dance Extensions presented their third annual showcase, a performance comprising 20 numbers with guest performances from Rowan’s Rangeela and RU Hoofers.

Pfleeger Hall was packed with the friends and family of performers, as well as community members. Originally, only the lower level of the auditorium was available for seating, but as audience members continued to file in, it was necessary to open the Mezzanine level so everyone could watch the performance.

President of DEXT, Tyler Benson, addressed the audience before the show.

“When I became president sophomore year, I knew I really wanted to do something that would showcase all the talent our company holds, so we came up with the idea to put on a showcase,” said Benson.

Three years later Dance Extensions continues to host an annual showcase, which has been in the works for the last six months.

“This is a great opportunity for our company members and for student choreographers to get their work on stage and for us to all work together as a company to produce a great show,” said Benson.

The show opened with a number choreographed by Tyler Benson and vice president of Dance Extensions, Tara Tucci. This dance, “Contemporary Biology,” featured 26 of the 28 members of DEXT and began with sparse lighting and rhythmic movements.

Following this was the first of a few brief pauses. These gaps between numbers allowed dancers to change into their next costume.

“Bring ‘em Out,” choreographed by Allie Tedeschi, was the next dance on the setlist and was an immediate switch from the avant-garde feel of “Contemporary Biology.” This high-octane hip-hop number featured 13 dancers and reeled audience members in with the quick pace and punchy moments.

After another number by Dance Extensions, Rowan Rangeela presented “Rhythm of Love.” Rowan Rangeela is a co-ed Bollywood fusion dance team that partnered with DEXT as part of this showcase.

After the second pause of the evening, DEXT performed “Becoming,” choreographed by Valentina Giannattasio, which featured 11 dancers and finished the first act with a flourish.

After intermission, DEXT performed the opening number “Come On Eileen,” choreographed by Bella Castells. Dressed in overalls and white shirts, dancers started the second act off with a childlike whimsy in this energetic number.

A few numbers later was “Senioritis,” an improvised dance by the seniors of DEXT.

After the next brief pause was Hoofers’ feature. Hoofers is Rowan University’s tap dance club. Their piece, “Seven Nation Army,” choreographed by Tara Tucci, was energetic and made use of red lighting and a sparkling scrim to highlight the rock aesthetic of the number.

Towards the end of the second act, Jackson Brown and Joshua Hernandez performed the improvised duet “Presto,” which was both heartfelt and lyrical in movement.

The final number featured all 26 present members of Dance Extensions and ended on a note of triumph.

Tara Tucci took to the stage and recognized the senior members of Dance Extensions. 

“We just want to thank all of our seniors and everyone who has dedicated so much time here for the last couple of years. This is such a fantastic group and honestly, an iconic group of seniors leaving this year, and I know we’re gonna miss them,” said Tucci.

Each senior received flowers, and that concluded the evening.

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