I'd Like to Welcome You to "RAW: The Journey"

The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, as you might imagine, employs many very talented and creative people, often who are involved in a variety of artistic endeavors throughout the community. Josette Serrill, the Center’s new Web and Systems Manager, is one of our talented employees, who has had a passion for dance since her youth, and is now  a company dancer for Underground Dance Company Hardcore, when she is not working hard on our website www.MyAlaskaCenter.com! Below, she tells us about UDC’s upcoming production.

Josette Serrill on far left with two fellow UDC dancers

Underground Dance Company Hardcore is presenting RAW, which stands for “Real Attitude Within,” designed to take the audience on a reflective journey of the past to gain a clearer understanding of the love, work and struggle that each individual has gone through to get to where they currently stand.

The journey begins with an empty stage and a lone voice.

“Hello.

I’d like to welcome you to RAW: The Journey.

You don’t know who I am.

Let me give you some insight into my experiences.

What makes me who I am, the details of my journey.

As you sit there, focus on my story,

As I tell you my thoughts,

As I show you my experiences.

Reflect on them and discover who I am.”

The script continues throughout the show as the dancers take the audience on a journey that every person can relate to at some point in their lives. The following are selected excerpts of the show script. Each dancer has been asked to respond with how they interpret each story they will be telling on stage this weekend. 

Sound is what drives me, especially the sound of victory.

“Music and sound is how I express myself. How I share my success, sadness and joy.”

With the support from the people who know me best, who accept me, I go out in the world and, regardless of what society thinks, I express my real attitude within.

“Being the youngest sibling and only girl, I felt lost in figuring out who I was. I always tried to follow in my brothers' steps, picking their careers and life choices and it always led to failure. It wasn’t until I found my passion and talent for dance that I truly felt like I had an identity. I express myself through movement. It’s the language I use to communicate.” 

I share a passion with the people I surround myself with. I’m committed to them as they are to me. I look to these people for wisdom, support, and encouragement. We are Family.

“I think of [our] crew. A group of people that come together, not only for performance and technique, but for friendships and lasting memories. Hardcore has gone through so much together over the years. No matter what, we come together as a crew and support each other and, most of all, have fun dancing.”

Be prepared for high energy dance, extravagant costumes, and a reflective journey through your past with RAW: The Journey. Tickets are currently available for this performance at the Dena’ina Center March 7th and 8^th. 

by ACPA employee Josette Serrill, a member of Underground Dance Company Hardcore