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| The 2011 Howl Poster |
The annual Halloween bash held at Utah State University attracts college students from around the state. While most look forward to the event with anticipation, members of the USU dance teams, who will perform at the Howl, are legitimately frightened.
Aside from the common concerns of remembering choreography and maintaining character, members are facing new fears surrounding this year’s theme.
The concept of the 2011 Howl performance is “Carn-Evil,” a cryptic interpretation of the film “Water for Elephants.” In conjunction with the theme, dancers will dress as clowns and other various circus performers.
The details of such a depiction have some dance members worried.
Many girls are concerned about the revealing clothing items due to this year's theme. Some returning members even believe this year’s attire is the most risqué in Howl performance history.
“When she cut our skirts even shorter - yep, that’s when it became skanky,” said Brittany Beecher, a returning member of the hip-hop team.
Even the make-up has become a cause for concern.
“Getting everyone’s makeup done is going to be crazy,” Beecher said, “we took headshots so Audrey, the make-up artist, could prepare different clown makeup that fits everyone’s specific face shape.”
Such specific make-up could be extremely time intensive, and members are worried that the desired effect will not be successfully executed in the short time given.
Aside from the trepidation of time, clown make-up evokes even larger fears for dance member Natalie Miller.
“I absolutely hate clowns,” Miller said. “They terrify me. That being said, it’s easier for me to get into character because I can identify with the fear of clowns.”
Perhaps the largest concern regarding this year’s theme is the way it could potentially divide the three companies and reduce the sense of unity.
When contemplating the concept, artistic director Krissy Smith-Fry hoped to develop a story line involving lead characters who would act as ringleaders to the remaining performers.
While some team members are indifferent to the role selection, others find the spotlighted positions upsetting.
Julia Williams and Joey Guerts, the two selected leads, have become aware of their teammates feelings.
“Special parts make people jealous and makes me feel bad too,” Williams said.
Although three individual dance teams will participate in the Howl, many feel that the contemporary team, Full Circle, continues to be the unnamed favorite.
In addition to the leads, numerous girls from the contemporary group are spotlighted in themed roles.
“Full circle takes priority. They have more individual parts in the Howl than anyone else from My Bad or Vilociti,” Beecher said.
Members of Full Circle argue that their main involvement is attributed to better preparation.
"The other teams are less prepared for the Howl because they've spent less time rehearsing,” Williams said.
“Wednesday was the first time that I’ve done it with everyone and I was absolutely terrified because I have never felt so unprepared,” Miller said. “It’s crucial that everyone be on the same page. If we can’t pull from each other’s energy, we won’t be able to convince the audience.”
With less than 24 hours until the performance, the team’s artistic director has tried to remain optimistic.
“This is the most unprepared we’ve ever been for the Howl,” Fry said, “but it has the most potential.”
(k.wells & c.robison)
