For some seniors and alumni the world outside of college can be a terrifying first experience. Kat Cole a recent graduate with a BA in English and minors in Dance and Performing Arts, and Eric Garcia, a Performing Arts and Social Justice senior have already accomplished something pretty spectacular. Together, with their USF dance experience and the guidance of their professors, they have created a dance company by the name of Detour Dance. “It’s insane how in the past two months doors have been opened for us,” says Garcia.
Their debut show called “along the way” was at CounterPULSE (http://counterpulse.org/) last September. Since then they have performed at various festivals and venues in the Bay Area. “It made more sense to make a company,” Cole says. Right now they are preparing for a piece called “Little By Little: A 365-day Project” which will premiere at the University of San Francisco’s Spring Dance Concert May 6-7, 2011 at 8pm.
The process all began when they first applied for a student cabernet spot in the Performing Arts and Social Justice Cabernet Season. The cabernet they proposed—Inhabiting Spaces—was only the second dance cabernet ever produced.
Jocelyn Hall, a senior dance student, said, “As a friend of both Eric and Kat, it was great to see them branch past USF and create something on their own. It’s kind of inspiring when you think about it, because they’re the same age as me."
As for how they came up with a name, Garcia says, “The name came after everything. We sat down and pulled common themes. We like to look at everyday spaces.” Cole adds, “We were looking at roadsides and things people see everyday.”
Each piece is unique in that they use everyday objects and incorporate each object in their dance. From thumb wars and dancing on a bench to communicating with feet, their dancing relates to all audience members. “We pride ourselves on our quirky, detailed movement.”
For their inspiration, they “Pull from pedestrian movements,” says Garcia, “It doesn’t necessarily have to be like a literal moment, it can be little movements.”
Amie Dowling, USF dance professor says, "Detour dance draws me into a renewed understanding and appreciation of how movement can provide glimpses into human nature."
Visit http://www.detourdance.com/ to check out pictures and upcoming events.
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