Traveling down the hallways of the basement, the senses can be overwhelmed with booming music and the rank of sweat- a feat owed not only to the weightlifters, but also to the Essence Dance Company

It’s a full house in the dance room today.  The dancers barely have enough personal space to stretch.  The place looks packed, but dance teacher Terlene Terry-Todd thinks otherwise.

“This is the right number,” said Terry-Todd.  “I wouldn’t do more than this.  This, this is manageable- keeps the competition.”

Terry-Todd, affectionately referred to as “Ms. T” by her students, claims auditions were like watching “So You Think You can Dance.”  Over 100 students auditioned this year, but only 23 made the roster.

“They say the cream rises to the top,” she gestures to the team as they are warming up.  “Here’s the cream. These are the people who brought it and left it on the ground.”

Essence differs from the dance team, and every member will tell you so.  There are no pompoms or shiny uniforms, nothing to make the team blend into each other.  Every dancer is there to do whatever it is they do best, regardless of the level of difficulty.

“Everybody brings something different to the table,” said junior Nikhil Delahaye.  “For me, as a guy, technique is difficult, so I learn a lot from choreography.  There are so many different styles.  There’s tap, hip-hop, gloving, popping.”

Terry-Todd gives every student an equal opportunity to show what they can do.  Whether that means seniors’ personal solos or a group-choreographed dance, everyone has their own chance to shine.  This year, Essence has seven student choreographers featured, including senior Hailey Kemp, juniors Delahaye, Helen Slivinski, Michelle Slivinski, Maggie Irwin, and sophomore Michael Apsley.

Each year, the dance troupe produces a number of shows, each with a different theme.  February’s theme focuses on movies featuring black actors, and in June, all choreography will be inspired by a Broadway show.

“I like inspired stuff,” said Helen Slivinski.  “After doing two years of your own stuff, you can only come up with so much. And it’s interesting to see how other people interpret it.”

Even as they are just beginning the preparation of their December show, the future of Essence is on the mind as they think about what will happen in June.

“I love Essence,” said Slivinski.  “It keeps getting better every year.  I don’t feel like we’re missing anything.”

“They’re so many diverse personalities.  It’s such an eclectic group,” said Terry-Todd.  “They work well together, even though they’re new.  They are all very energetic.”

Delahaye agrees that this Essence group is special.

“It’s weird in Essence,” said Delahaye.  “There is no hierarchy, there are no captains.  Last year we had a lot more seniors, and they were all strong dancers. This year it’s like, three-fourths juniors, so it’s the juniors’ year to step it up.”

Essence is looking to put on three shows this year.  The first show, scheduled for December 8, will showcase original choreography by Essence dance members.

“I am going to attempt my most dangerous dance yet,” said Slivinski.  “A couple dance where one of the partners is blindfolded.”

“You learn to bend and work with whatever you have,” said Delahaye.  “It’s a good experience for us if we want to continue in the professional world.”