Story by Mindy Vasquez

The Rio Grande Theatre welcomes guests to old Las Cruces. (Photo by Mindy Vasquez)

 New Mexico State University’s Dancers Unlimited electrified the crowd when it presented its 2010 spring show called Vertigo at the Rio Grande Theatre in downtown Las Cruces last month.

Vertigo, filled with a variety of different dance styles from hip hop to ballet, was entirely choreographed and performed by members of Dancers Unlimited, according to club representatives.

“It took a whole semester for practice,” Dancers Unlimited member Jenalee Garcia said, when asked what went into the show.

Amanda Montoya-Downs, fundraising chair for the group, said the club is completely student run, adding that Dancers Unlimited supports all forms of dance.

“We are diverse.  We do it all,” Montoya-Downs said.

The Show

As the first show began, the audience struggled to find a place to sit in the dark room.  Several people stood in the back whispering and waiting for the first dance to be over just so they could find a seat.

The house was packed during the first performance. (Photo by Mindy Vasquez)

“It was a really good turnout, especially since it was the week before finals,” dancer Kayla Frawley said. “We had a really good show.”

Another Dancers Unlimited member,Whitnee Thomas, said she was expecting fewer people on a Thursday night and was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.

Reflections

Rio Grande Theatre (photo: Mindy Vasquez)

“Overall, it was pretty good,” audience member Dot Bean said.”I like vivacious dancers.” 

“I think I did good, not amazing.  There is always room for improvement,” Thomas said.

“It was alright.  The first run is rough,” Garcia said.

“I liked Wicked and Hobohop,” Garcia offered. “I liked the opening because it had high energy.”