Orland Dancer Dances In Virtual Gala At The University Of Iowa

ORLAND PARK, IL — The coronavirus pandemic has halted many longtime traditions this year at the University of Iowa, but the universities department of dance did not allow it stop the 39th edition of its Dance Gala, according to a news release.

The university said the Dance Gala maintained its high level of professionalism and artistry, but with a slightly different viewing experience. Instead of watching at Hancher Auditorium or Space Place Theater, audiences tuned in online to watch more than 35 students bring to life works created by six Department of Dance faculty members, according to the university.

Maggie Ogorman, an undergraduate student at Iowa majoring in Dance from Orland Park, was one of the students who participated in Dance Gala 2020. Ogorman performed in choreographer Armando Duarte's "Anemones, 600 feet under 6 feet apart," according to the release.

The performance can be seen below, along with all other performances in the gala.

The works were filmed in the Theatre Building's E.C. Mabie Theatre and outdoors around campus, according to the release.

"We worked hard to make this happen without jeopardizing the health of our students and faculty or our audience," Barragan said. "There were so many unknowns, and things continue to change every day. It was beautiful to see creative minds unify to come up with a positive solution."

According to the release, Barragan says he was grateful that departments across campus came together to make Dance Gala a reality this year, including the efforts of the dancers, choreographers, the Department of Theatre Arts, the Division of Performing Arts, the Performing Arts Production Unit, the Office of Strategic Communication and UI physician Val Sheffield. He also thanked his team for testing all performers and choreographers for COVID-19, according to the release.

"It was a beautiful experience for the students, faculty, and viewers," Barragan says.

According to the release, the University of Iowa is one of the nation's premier public research universities, dedicated to academic excellence, groundbreaking discoveries and creations, commitment to Iowa and the world, and a culture that prizes community, diversity, and opportunity.

To learn more about the University of Iowa, click HERE.