Chapman Dance Alliance (CDA) brought the “Club classics” to Chapman at its fall show.

CDA, a student-led organization uniting dancers across different majors and dance groups, hosted its annual showcase with two productions on Nov. 1 and 2. This show — which was themed “Club classics,” a play on the popular song by Charli xcx — featured performances from dance majors and non-dance majors in CDA, The Stilettos, Team Shaka, Floor 13, co.lab, C.U.T.E. and the Chapman competitive dance team. All of the numbers were chosen, choreographed and performed completely by students, making for a showcase of exclusively Chapman talent. 

Senior dance performance major Sarah Maloney joined CDA during her freshman year. Now, as co-president of the organization, she was able to organize and host the show alongside fellow Co-President and senior dance performance major Kate Constantini.

“I was sitting backstage with our stage manager and I overheard two dancers who were new to the club say, ‘I am so happy we did this,’” Maloney told The Panther. “This moment really solidified why I do what I do.”

The joy was felt by the crowd as well. Junior creative writing and political science double major Ellie Bickelhaupt lives with dancers, so she loves to support them at their shows. 

“I always just love being able to see my roommates and people I know perform,” Bickelhaupt told The Panther. “It’s really cool to see them do what they talk about all the time because they’re always talking about dance.”

For many people, the show is special because it’s designed by students, for students. It’s a chance for the community to showcase their talent and work ethic. 

“That’s something I really like about CDA; you can tell it’s run by students, in the best way,” said Bickelhaupt. “So it’s music that everyone knows, or choreography that everyone thinks is cool.”

Her favorite performance was “Love Shack,” which was choreographed by senior psychology and dance performance double major Peyton Winsett. The theatrical jazz number featured the classic ‘80s hit paired with playful choreography. 

“This piece was intended to bring pure joy to the audience and the dancers,” said Winsett. “It was meant to remind people to be silly and show love to all.”

Bickelhaupt is also a big fan of the hip-hop dance team Floor 13. The group performed a dance to “The Way I Are,” choreographed by Floor 13’s executive board. Members were split into groups that each got their turn on stage during different sections of the number, each dancer having their own time to shine. 

Tahli Bash, a sophomore business administration major who has been a member of Floor 13 since the spring of her freshman year, said her favorite part of the show was getting to know other dancers both in and out of her group. 

“The process was fun, just getting closer with the team by creating this dance for the show,” Bash said. “With it being my first CDA, I also had such a blast watching the other dances and getting to know more fellow dancers.”

Maloney describes CDA as a “community” that extends beyond dance — creating a warm, empowering atmosphere for everyone in the club.

“The passion that fills our space is unlike anything I have ever seen,” Maloney said, “and I feel incredibly lucky to be a small part of it.”