Step Into the Season with Butler’s Dance Showcase

Written by: Beclynn Garrett

Butler Community College is ready to raise the curtain on its upcoming fall dance recital, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the 700 Building Theatre on the El Dorado campus. This year's recital includes a wide range of styles: Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Modern Dance. The newly formed Rose Gold ensemble will be featured and Gold Standard, both directed by Doris Prater.

The performance will feature choreography created and taught by Butler Dance Instructor Valerie Mack, along with faculty members Bailey Bucholtz and Emily Blaine. The show represents months of intensive training, collaboration, and artistic growth. The recital includes performances from the Butler Vocal Music Department.

The production involves extensive collaboration across campus. In addition to the dance department, theatre, vocal music, and technical theatre programs contribute to lighting design, sound cues, staging, and backstage management — all with the goal of making the performance appear “seamless” to the audience.

The dancers share a mix of nerves and excitement, some mentioning that though choreography was only finalized a few weeks ago, they’ve been conditioning since the beginning of the semester. The rehearsal process demands endurance, strength, patience, and focus, but it's worth the reward. "Even one audience reaction makes a difference," dancer Micah Gifford shared.

The recital is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the Butler Community College Box Office or by calling 316.322.3262.

Quick details

What: Dance recital

Where: Butler Theatre, 700 building, El Dorado campus

When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend

Learn about theatre, art, instrumental/vocal music and mass communication scholarship opportunities available to all majors.