The Williston dance ensemble’s fall concert “Catch Me When…” is set to impress the student body with its variety of pieces and energetic dancers. The dance ensemble consists of 22 dancers, with each dancer bringing their own personal style and talent to the stage.

The concert contains many styles of dance, ranging from hip-hop to lyrical ballet to jazz. “I think the variety of styles makes the concert more interesting,” said Debra Vega, the artistic director of the Williston dance ensemble.

Vega has been dancing since she was four years old and has many years of professional experience to bring to the Williston stage. She has performed on Broadway, done professional shows, and has been a guest choreographer throughout her dance career. Her most remarkable achievement was her four seasons with the Radio City Rockettes.

Vega has been the artistic director of the dance ensemble for three years and has introduced many dance styles to the group. Her favorite style is musical theater and has incorporated that into this year’s concert with her piece based on the musical “Wicked.” Vega’s dance closes the show and features the musical’s two witches, Galinda and Elphaba, and follows them on their journey through Oz.

Vega is notably excited about this year’s concert. “All of the dancers have brought so much energy and creativity to the show,” she stated.

The fall concert features 12 pieces; two by Vega, two by returning guest choreographers, and eight student-choreographed dances.

The two guest choreographers, Michelle Marroquin and Charles Markham, have created interesting pieces for the fall concert. Marroquin focuses on the relationship between life and death in her lyrical/contemporary piece, while Markham centers on what the current immigration crisis does to loved ones in his contemporary number.

Another piece in the show, choreographed by senior captains Triniti Slaughter and A’kayla Williams, is a dynamic hip-hop routine to an upbeat Beyonce track. “It’s a really fun dance that emphasizes the strength of femininity and how to embrace that,” said Triniti. “All of the dancers are in it, so it’s cool to have such an inclusive piece.”

Being a captain brings a lot of responsibility, but Triniti and A’Kayla enjoy the challenge. “Pumping up the girls during warmup or bringing treats really helps with team bonding,” A’kayla added.

An additional dance featured in the concert is an emotional contemporary piece, choreographed by junior Kassandra Orcutt. Kassandra’s passionate number focuses on the relationships people have with themselves, and how they can sometimes turn toxic. “I just want to spark some kind of self-reflection and inspire people to realize how we treat ourselves,” said Kassandra.

Many dancers do not choreograph for the show, but they are still looking forward to the production. Reagan Joyce, a sophomore, has been dancing with the Williston dance ensemble since freshman year and can’t wait for the show. “I’m so excited to perform all of the different numbers,” said Reagan. “I get to do jazz, musical theatre, and hip-hop all in the same show; it’s so fun.”

“Catch Me When…” is running November 10th and 11th in the Williston theatre at 8:00 pm. It is free for Williston students/staff and $10 for the general public. You can buy tickets at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=twns