Student Org Spotlight: Blank Canvas

Whether you have been dancing your entire life, only know the basics, or are just curious and eager to learn, there’s a place in Blank Canvas Dance Company for you. The self-professed “largest and most inclusive dance organization on campus” provides an opportunity to learn, practice, and perform all styles of dance, at all levels from beginner to highly experienced. With approximately 210 members, BCDC represents a large percentage of the dancing population on UNC’s campus, and offers something like a family to its members. “Blank Canvas is special because it is a dance support community for people who have been dancing all their lives, as well as people who have never danced before, but would like to try,” said Blank Canvas PR Chair Tiffany Oliver. “It also gives students the opportunity to make unforgettable friendships. Blank Canvas is special, because we are one big dance family.” 

Blank Canvas typically performs once a semester in a showcase, usually held in Memorial Hall. Dancers who are interested in more performance opportunities can join the Blank Canvas Performance Team, which performs throughout campus several times a semester. Blank Canvas dancers are given the opportunity to attend a placement class each semester, to help them decide which dances to sign up for based on their preferred style and ability level. Dancers are assessed a level based on experience and ability, and are then invited to sign up for student-choreographed dances that match their level. Once dancers attend a placement class, they are official members of Blank Canvas. 

Blank Canvas is entirely student-run, with a large officer board and a score of talented student choreographers. The company’s commitment to student involvement extends to its members, as Blank Canvas strives above all to make dance accessible and enjoyable for as many students as possible. Oliver stated that the company strives to keep membership and costume costs low to help keep the company both accessible and inclusive. If you’re looking for an opportunity to dance, perform, and make lifelong friendships, Blank Canvas could be the place for you. “Blank Canvas gives people an incredibly inclusive environment to express themselves, escape the stresses of everyday life, and get active,” enthused Oliver. “And all while sharing the experience with incredible people around them.”