Southern Utah University’s Dance Organization hosted its October Open Yoga and clothing swap on Friday, Oct. 2, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m in Multipurpose Center 116.
With the lights turned off, candles scattered across the floor and soft music playing, more than 10 participants followed instructor Danielle Lydia Sheather’s guidance, adjusting their poses and breathing throughout the session.
Behind the class, a table displayed clothing available for swapping, alongside donation boxes and a QR code.
Participants were encouraged to contribute $5 or a clothing item. The money raised supports the American College Dance Association, which provides opportunities for college dancers nationwide to connect and learn.
Sheather, associate chair and associate professor of dance at SUU, said the clothing swap promotes sustainability by helping reduce clothing waste.
“We reduce, reuse, recycle,” added Nesi McKenzie, co-artistic director of the SUU Dance Organization (SUUDO).
McKenzie said the organization holds T-shirt drives to recycle clothing and plans to customize and sell remaining shirts from the clothing swap in December for a faculty dance concert.
Beyond fundraising and sustainability, the event also offered participants a chance to unwind.
“I just decompress and let my body rest,” McKenzie said. “School is really busy. I don’t even realize how tense I get until I get in here to reset.”
Kayla Wilcox, a member of SUUDO’s marketing team, also attended the event.
“The first time I attended, I was like, ‘Why am I here? I’m too tired to do anything else,’” Wilcox said. “But I came out feeling very grateful because, with a crazy week, it gave me a chance to reconnect with my body and prepare for the week ahead.”
Sheather said the event also provides her with an opportunity to relax and participate alongside her students.
“It allows me to teach something completely different. It’s not dance, but it’s still something we’re teaching,” she said. “It’s slow and calm. I’m less worried about how my students are doing, and I’m able to participate with them.”
At the Utah Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) regional conferences, SUU dancers have opportunities to perform, take classes and network with other students and faculty.
“They have an opportunity to perform and take a ton of classes,” Sheather said. “They get to network with other students from around the High Desert…it’s just a really wonderful opportunity for them to be able to go.”
The SUUDO will continue its monthly Open Yoga sessions on Nov. 6.
Author: Fangqi Zhou
Photos by Corben Allen
Editor: Charlee Steed
arts@suunews.net
