Northwest Dance Company provides ‘happy place,’ performance outlet for students

Northwest Dance Company members are pictured performing for the student organization's fall showcase. The dance company will perform its spring show April 18. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

– Students who dream of feeling the warmth of the spotlight, adrenaline running through their veins and the excitement of dancing can make all of that a reality with the Northwest Dance Company.

The Northwest Dance Company is an inclusive organization that offers a creative outlet for students interested in performing. The organization was founded in 2001 and has 60 members who perform every semester to showcase their talents and passion for dance.

The organization will host its spring showcase at 7 p.m. Friday, April 18, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the doors. The show consists of about 15 dances choreographed by members of the company.

Northwest Dance Company members perform a variety of dance styles. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

Founded in 2001, the Northwest Dance Company has about 60 members who share a passion for dance. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

Hadley Douglas, Northwest’s coordinator of fraternity and sorority life, serves as the advisor for the dance company. As an undergraduate student at the University, she served as the organization’s president.

It provided a happy place and an escape from stress for her.

“Dance company was always a strong outlook for me,” she said. “Whether I had a good or bad day, it was always just nice to come see my friends and then go dance.”

Holding leadership roles in the student organization, including as a choreographer, helped her learn how to collaborate with a team of individuals.

“Being able to adapt to any situation, especially getting new students who have never danced,” Douglas said. “Also, time management, because everything needs to be prepared for the big showcase at the end of each semester. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I work as a leader, and it has shown through now in my professional roles.”

Douglas appreciates what she gained from her time in the organization as a student, and she hopes to see current members grow through their involvement.

“Each week you are putting in a lot of hard work that will pay off at the showcase,” Douglas said. “NWDC is about letting anyone and everyone be able to join to have a fun experience throughout college.”

The organization can make an impact on students before they enroll at the University too. Northwest Dance Company Vice President Abby Rock, a junior biology and psychology major from Blue Springs, Missouri, joined the group as a first-year student after watching her sister perform as a previous member.

“As a member of Northwest Dance Company, I gained more than just experience,” Rock said. “I gained growth, leadership and invaluable lessons. But most importantly, I found a community I can always rely on, a support system built on trust and shared passion. I formed connections that feel like family and friendships that feel like home.”

Social activities also make the organization more than just a performance group. Recently, dance company members gathered with the Northwest chapter of Alpha Delta Pi sorority for a dance fitness event in the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center. The dance company also enjoyed a showing of “Dirty Dancing” at The Hangar and organized a bake sale fundraiser to raise funds for its philanthropy, North Star Advocacy Center.

“Events like mixers and the movie fundraiser allow dancers to make connections with each other outside of practice,” Amanda Rose, a senior early childhood education major from Smithville, Missouri, said. “The events also allow us to connect with other organizations on campus and the community as a whole.”

Between dancing together every week throughout the semester and social events, members of the Northwest Dance Company forge friendships and connections they hope will last after they graduate from Northwest.

“What makes dance company special to me is the memories, the people and the bonds that you create if you allow yourself to,” Rock said. “It brings people closer together and allows them to make special connections.”