This week we have decided to feature one of our very own Her Campus Colgate writers…Sofia Rietti! In addition to her work with Her Campus, Sofia is also a proud member of a dance troupe, here at Colgate. Make sure to check out Sofia’s team, along with Colgate’s various other dance troupes, at Dancefest this Saturday. The show starts at 6 p.m in the Colgate Memorial Chapel!
Full Name: Sofia Lena Rietti
Hometown: Marblehead, MA
Class Year: 2018
Major: Philosophy
Favorite Disney Channel Original Movie: The Lizze McGuire Movie
Involvement on Campus: Groove Dance Troupe, Mock Trial, Her Campus Colgate
Can you give a brief description of what DanceFest is all about? “Dancefest, not that I am biased or anything, is one of the best events on campus. It’s an opportunity for all the dance groups at Colgate to perform in front of their friends, peers, families, and faculty. Its diverse styles gather an energetic audience from all parts of Colgate’s social scene. It really fosters a feeling of community.”
What’s the name of your dance team? “Groove Dance Troupe. This year it has 15 girls and another abroad.”
How would you describe the style of dance your team does? “Each Dancefest Groove performs two different dances. Usually one is an upbeat jazzy piece, and the other is a softer contemporary or lyrical dance. I really enjoy having the opportunity to practice and perform two different styles because it keeps it interesting.”
How is your dance team preparing for DanceFest? Amping up rehearsals? Special workouts? “So this week is what dancers call ‘Hell Week.’ Normally we have two 2-hour long practices each week, but with Dancefest being this weekend we have a lot of extra rehearsals. Each group is allotted time to practice in the chapel in order to adjust their spacing. Everyone in Dancefest must attend an opening number rehearsal. This is one of the best parts of Dancefest because it really sets the energy of the room high. The day before Dancefest is dress rehearsal. This means we perform the show as if it were the real thing. Hair, make-up, costumes, and all. It’s a very busy week, but so much fun.”
Does your dance team have any pre-performance rituals? “Right before the show starts, Groove participates in a Secret Psych. It’s a lot like a Secret Santa. We pick a name out of a hat and get that person their favorite candy along with a superlative or a nice note. It’s a really great tradition because we feel really connected and confident right before we perform.”
How long have you been dancing? Do you hope to pursue it in the future? “Basically, I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I took a short break when I thought I wanted to be a gymnast, but that didn’t work out… I danced throughout all of high school at Jeannette Neill’s Dance Studio in Boston. My training consisted of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. A lot of my friends from that studio are now pursuing dance at college. I sometimes get a little jealous that their academic classes are dance, but I’m happy Groove and Dancefest give me the opportunity to continue dancing regardless.”
We have to ask. Can we snag a picture from your younger dance days?
**nugget status**
As a Her Campus Colgate team member, how does it feel being on the other side of the story? “I don’t know how I feel about the pressure of being under the spotlight… A different sort of spotlight than dance of course. Kidding aside, I am so happy to share about Dancefest because it is one of my favorite things about Colgate. And now I have the opportunity to make a shameless plug for the upcoming show. It’s Saturday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the Colgate Memorial Chapel. Doors open at 5:30 if you’re looking to get a prime seat.
The Her Campus Colgate team hopes to see a great turnout. We know we will be their supporting not only one of our own, but the entire Colgate dance community! It’s a show you won’t want to miss!