The Repertory Dance Group (RDG) had their fall show, “Dancing on Sunshine,” this past weekend at Wilson High School. In honor of that, we thought we’d tell you a bit about the history of the RDG at Puget Sound.
RDG was founded in 1996 as a student-run dance group. Performances are choreographed by students and the club welcomes everyone, no matter what their dance background is, through their “no-cuts” audition process. The group had their first performance, titled “A Taste of Things to Come,” in 1997 with only 18 dancers. RDG quickly gained popularity on campus. The November 18, 1999 issue of The Trail reports that there were 90 dancers and 15 different dances in the show “Dancin’ Groovin’” that year. The performance took place in Norton Clapp Theater and the students performed three shows. The November 16, 2000 issue of The Trail reports that the RDG shows had sold out for the past two years and “will most likely do the same this year.”
RDG is composed of a diverse group of students that come together because they love to dance. Everyone who auditions performs in the show and the club has enjoyed great success over the past two decades.
The Archives & Special Collections has drop-in hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM or is open by appointment.
By Rowan Coates