SMU senior dance major Landes Dixon performs a solo routine, “Ultimate Connection” at a dress rehearsal Friday evening for the Meadows School of the Art’s dance department’s annual Sharp Show. (Photo courtesy Nick McCarthy)

Meadows hosted its annual Sharp Show this past weekend showcasing dances choreographed by senior dance majors and performed by underclassmen.

The student-led production solicited a full house in The Owen Fine Arts Center. Some audience members were turned away at the door due to lack of seating. Meadows hopeful Blair Bou-Chebl stood during the show with nearly 20 other viewers.

“This show has a lot of dynamics, from choreography to class levels ranging from freshmen to seniors,” sophomore Harry Feril said.

Despite the various levels of talent present, each dance was well put together. Mostly modern dance, performances ranged from groups to solos. “They are really beautiful dancers and hold their own on stage,” Feril said.

Senior Joshua Deiniger’s Paths Set Before included a combination of group and solo dances.

Funded by SMU Student Senate, the costumes, lighting and music appeared to be a professional production.

“The process of putting on a production is possibly one of the hardest and consistently demanding operation[s] I’ve ever participated in,” senior Landes Dixon said. “It’s a huge race against the clock and you can’t ever stop because the show simply won’t happen.”

The show required hours of preparation. Students auditioned over winter break and started practices before school began.

This past week marked crunch time for freshman Kaylah Burton.

“We’ve been in the studio until twelve every night,” she said.

The largest segment, The Temptations of Jesus by senior Dani Stinger, confronted addiction, pride and lamentations. Choreographer and soloist Landes Dixon succeeded in bringing his own struggles to the stage.

“Our freshman class started with about 20 something people and now there’s nine of us left,” Dixon said. “The show displays how we, as a class, have kept a firm grip on our passion.”

This passion has been going strong for 20 years.

“Last year’s show was good but this year’s show is great. It was one of a kind and memorable,” Feril said.

Students who could not attend the show can expect a similar production soon. Meadows’ Brown Bag Series will continue in the Bob Hope Theatre Lobby Feb. 28 to March 4.