Photos: ALLISON LOVE/Staff

Adrenaline and passion will collide when the curtains lift at the New Dance Theater tonight.

After a semester of planning, the dance department seniors are ready to share their original choreography with the public.

This is their last chance to leave a mark on the University dance department.

The Senior Exit Dance Concert will highlight the work of five seniors — Anna Bracewell, Mallory Keeble, Chrystola Oseni, Rebecca Pogue and Katie Wesche.

Bracewell said exit shows are very important for dance majors.

“The exit show is the senior dance majors’ opportunity to present new and original works, reflecting the culmination of experiences and knowledge we have gained and learned throughout our years of undergrad,” Bracewell said.

Basically, the exit show is like a term paper or a final where music and movement replace paper and ink. The seniors’ works will go toward the completion of an A.B. or an A.B.F. degree in dance.

These women had more than football and reading assignments on their minds for the last twelve weeks. Crafting an entire dance from scratch is not easy, and it’s required a semester-long commitment.

“We auditioned dancers the first Friday of the first week of school and ever since then, we’ve been having rehearsal twice a week, choreographing 10-minute pieces,” Pogue said. “It’s kind of a daunting task.”

Each senior chose their own theme and style for their portion of the show, and the dances range from jazz to folk dance. The seniors were given complete artistic freedom in planning the show.

“This is a representation of everything we’ve learned throughout our four years here,” Pogue said. “It shows our points of view, because they’re all different.”

The seniors are in charge of all elements of producing the show. Pogue said. Beyond the choreography, she and her classmates are in charge of publicity, hospitality and production, which includes technology and lighting during the dances.

Because the performances are live, every night will be a little different. Wesche’s dances will be especially variable.

“I’m doing what’s called ‘chance dance,’ and it’s where I’ve choreographed phrases, but my dancers — two out of the three dancers — are randomly picking out the order of those phrases,” Wesche said. “So each night is different for me. That’s what I’m most nervous about, because in the end, I’m not going to be in control of how [the dance] is going to look.”

Preparation for the exit show was rigorous, requiring an hour and a half to nine hours of practice each weekday.

“I couldn’t even begin to add up the hours spent working on the show,” Bracewell said. “But I can tell you one thing: I have enjoyed every moment and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

There is a lot riding on these seniors as the night approaches. It is no surprise that nerves accompany their excitement.

“I’m the most nervous about presenting my own creative work,” Bracewell said. “I want it to be well-reviewed and have people appreciate my movement and style. It’s nerve-wracking but it’s definitely an excited nervous.”

Nerves aside, the exit show gives these five women a chance to show everyone what their hours in the dance building can yield.

“I knew that this is what I wanted to do, because it makes me the most happy and it’s what I’m most passionate about,” Pogue said, “I can’t see myself doing anything else and feel like I’m doing something worth while.”

SENIOR EXIT DANCE CONCERT

Where: The New Dance Theater

When: November 9-11 at 8 p.m.

Price: $12, $8 (students)