Street April 10, 2014 by The Daily Princetonian

The Daily Princetonian

Thursday April 10, 2014

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER A SAMPLING OF PRINCETON’S SMALLEST DEPARTMENTS MARGOT YALE Staff Writer

Though the Princeton experience guarantees an education with a superior focus on the undergraduate and countless opportunities to work with, speak to and learn from professors, one can’t deny this experience is vastly different from department to department. Although the economics department boasts a faculty of 61 members, far more than the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures’ faculty of 17, there are presently 257 students concentrating in economics, compared to just nine students in Slavic languages and literatures. Departments with more faculty than students can be considered to be struggling, but some students in these departments would say this ratio is a major benefit to their academic pursuits. This week, Street takes a look at some of the smallest undergraduate majors on campus to get a glimpse into these academic communities at Princeton.

SLAVIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE With 17 professors and nine undergraduates, the Slavic languages and literatures department is certainly a niche area of academic study on campus. The department requires three years of Russian language to graduate and, at any given time, also offers classes in Polish, Czech, Bosnian, Serbian or Croatian. The department recommends that students begin to study at least one of the additional languages if they are considering graduate school. “I’m taking Polish now. It’s only a two-person class, so that’s exciting,” concentrator Jake Robertson ’15 said. He has found the professors to be particularly dedicated. “You have to really love it to devote your life to it, so all the professors are really passionate in what they study

and what they teach, and about their students who are also interested in it, and they make you love it,” Robertson said. “I know all of the professors; it feels like a family. Everybody is interested in what I am doing.” Due to the small size, students who are interested in studying topics beyond Slavic literature may have difficulty finding a thesis advisor. However, Robertson chose an advisor in the sociology department who focuses on the Gulag. Overall, the small size fosters a community that extends beyond the academic sphere. “The professors will come to my [theater] shows and send me an email that says, ‘Great job!’ and ask me when’s my next show,” Robertson said. “They actually care. That’s nice.”

GEOSCIENCES

As a sophomore preparing to declare, Alison Campion ’16 is excited to join the geosciences department. She was introduced to the department after taking “Earth’s Environments and Ancient Civilizations — in Cyprus,” a freshman seminar taught by geosciences faculty. The seminar took students to Cyprus to apply class concepts and conduct independent research over fall break. Campion felt that she learned more than she had in any other class. As a department, geosciences has a ratio of 24 faculty members to 17 declared concentrators. To engage undergraduates, the geosciences department sponsors the Princeton Undergraduate Geosciences Society, which hosts many events and informational dinners.

Upon deciding to declare as a geosciences major, Campion has noted that the size was a main factor in her decision. “I’ve gotten to know so many professors and grad students very well individually and that’s only made all my experiences with classes better,” Campion said. “I feel like every time I take a class the professors are really there to teach, and they want you to learn, and that’s a really refreshing feeling.” The department also offers many classes that include field trips, which Campion feels has been a great way to get to know the students and professors. Additionally, the department offers weekly Friday teatime for undergraduates, graduate students and faculty to mingle.

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SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE With seven students currently concentrating in Spanish and Portuguese languages and cultures, the department is the smallest on campus. With 12 faculty members and 19 lecturers, students concentrating in the department frequently have the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors. For Martha Jacobs ’15, the decision to declare as a Spanish and Portuguese major was obvious by the beginning of sophomore year. She has enjoyed the close-knit community in the department and the close relationships she has developed with other students and faculty. “There’s actually a pretty common misconception that it’s just grammar classes

that you take as a concentrator,” she says. “Most of the classes are actually literature and culture-based. There’s a lot of variation in the classes we take.” Students in the department can choose to study Spanish or Portuguese, but many actually do learn how to speak both. New summer programs developed in the past couple of years in Argentina and Brazil have made the process of learning the languages more flexible and made fulfilling the language requirement a faster progression. According to Jacobs, getting to know the faculty and other students in the department has been the best part of her experience thus far.

ASTROPHYSICAL SCIENCES

The astrophysical sciences department is composed of 24 astronomy faculty members and research staff, six plasma physics faculty members, and seven associated faculty members — but only 10 students. This ratio was what drew Ben Cook ’14 to the department. Having entered Princeton as a prospective physics major, Cook decided to declare as an astrophysical sciences major after taking his first class in the department. “In physics and astro, you take similar classes and work with similar students. But the difference is, whereas there are somewhere around 30 students in the physics department, there’s only four seniors in the astro department,” Cook said. “I knew I would have people looking out for me, and I have really gotten to know every graduate student and every postdoctorate.” Cook and fellow astro major Alexandra Pleus ’15 have both found the professors in the department to be particularly welcoming. Each of the 10 students in the depart-

ment has a workspace in the department’s undergraduate computer lab, where students can work in a shared space. “We would all be down there, so we all got to know each other and help each other out,” Cook said. Seniors in the department also frequently advise juniors on experiences, like when to take the GRE, and the process of applying to graduate school. “The community has been one of the best parts,” Cook said. Pleus agreed and noted that she enjoys weekly opportunities to discuss topics in astrophysical sciences weekly over coffee. Cook did acknowledge a disadvantage of the department’s small size in that there are a few niche areas of astrophysics that are not really covered, whereas larger departments on campus have faculty for every subtopic. However, he has not felt that this has had a major effect on him. The department is dedicated to getting students interested and hosts a variety of events for underclassmen, such as star parties, to attract undergraduates.

EAST ASIAN STUDIES The East Asian studies department hosts a substantial sized faculty of 38, with 25 students. However, students in the department, like Cameron White ’14, could not be more thrilled with their experiences in the department. White originally intended to major in history or the Wilson SÅchool, but ultimately decided on East Asian studies after taking CHI 303: Third-Year Modern Chinese I, and a departmental taught in English. The department acts as an umbrella to the Korean, Japanese and Chinese language programs, but the major requires a balance between departmentals taught in English and language classes. Many students in the department opt to focus on modern Asia, especially China, but the department has faculty focused on premodern Asia, as well. All junior concentrators take the same junior seminar, which allows the students to get to know one another and each concentrator’s research. “Larger departments have to take the extra effort to foster community,” White noted. Students also all have carrels in the same part of the

East Asian Library, allowing for a communal workspace and the opportunity to interact with other concentrators. White is excited about the department’s recent activities. “On the day our thesis is due, we have a big Major Choices event where seniors talk about their theses, alumni come back to talk about their careers, and then our whole department has its own Prospect House dinner with alumni, faculty and seniors. It’s pretty amazing because a lot of departments couldn’t fit everyone in, or the event wouldn’t have the same intimacy,” White said. He was also enthusiastic about a new opportunity for concentrators to spend their entire junior year at Beijing University, which he wishes he had had the opportunity to do. The East Asian studies department is diligent in talking to students in language classes to get them interested in concentrating, as well as to freshmen and sophomores taking departmentals taught in English, encouraging them to pursue language summer programs in order to be eligible to concentrate.

The Daily Princetonian

Thursday April 10, 2014

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STREET takes PUB 102 SETH MERKIN MOROKOFF

KATIE BAUMAN

Associate Street Editor

Street Editor

he last time I did ballet was when I was four years old. My parents did not think I was aggressive enough to play sports, so they enrolled me in ballet. My dance career was short-lived — just long enough to get this great sparkly blue leotard for a “My Fair Lady” number — and I eventually ended up on a soccer field. Although it is unclear what precisely convinced my parents to change their plans, after revisiting ballet in PUB’s 102 class, I’m beginning to believe that some ambitious pirouettes (turns) and battements (kicks) may have played a large role in their decision. I entered Dillon Gymnasium excited, curious and a bit nervous.

BEN KOGER :: PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

I had just gotten off the phone with my mom, and when I told her I was heading to a ballet class, she responded, “A what? Katie, I would pay to see you in a ballet class.” With those words of unwavering support, I walked into a world of spandex, tanks and flowing clothing. The room was already impressively full. A few groups stared at a boy lifting a girl elaborately and then, after a few more flourishes, placing her back on ground in perfect pointe. I wondered briefly whether I was in the right place. My fears were assuaged when class began and the talented duo traipsed over to join the other PUB members at the front of the room. The rest of the class shuffled into

position for stretching. I was pleasantly surprised that I could still touch my toes, and remained proud of myself despite the dancer next to me who reached a solid 10 inches past his own feet. Sufficiently limbered up, we ran through some basic positions and added in a few kicks and turns. I had found a place in the back of the room — I was not quite ready for what I might see in the mirror. It was much more fun to focus on the dancers sprinkled throughout the room and pretend that I was performing the sequences with the same grace. The instructors broke my suspension of reality as they asked the students to switch rows, moving those in the back to the front.

I was treated to a vivid reflection of my wobbling frame, but also saw myself laughing and smiling through the pliés and pirouettes. I was off on every count, but none of it mattered because PUB members kindly walked through each step and offered a “Good job!” or applause at the conclusion of each sequence. Class ended with a taste of classical ballet — “Romeo and Juliet.” The Romeos marched and pivoted as the Juliets flitted and spun around them. Too soon, the epic love story and the ballet class came to a close. I left PUB 102 with a bit more poise than I entered and one question on my mind, “Isn’t it about time for a ‘Center Stage’ sequel? ”

spotted a crowd of people sporting various dance group gear and trailed them up the stairs to the Dillon Gym Multipurpose Room, where Princeton University Ballet would host PUB 102: a ballet class for beginners! I chose to wear a Daily Princetonian pullover to show my lack of dance affiliation, some throwback regulation Boy Scout shorts to show some leg and some orange high tops to show some sass. I quickly realized that my sassy shoes, flattering shorts, and openly declared lack of experience wouldn’t win me any slack from the PUBros and PUBabes — these dancers were going to make sure I learned something about ballet. After a group stretch, a crash course in the five positions, some twirls and a series of moves I can only describe as a classier version of “dropping it” (by press time, I learned these were called “pliés”), we progressed to the best part of my day, the grand jeté. One of the PUBabes teaching the skill set the tone for the jump: just lunge over an imagined puddle. Their demonstration only resembled avoiding a puddle if your first instinct is to leap into a flying split, legs perfectly horizontal and parallel to the ground. Luckily, as a Kinsey-six gay with an aversion to both the imaginary and water, but especially imagined water, I’ve always tended toward full splits rather than messy splashes when I encounter a puddle. I waited excitedly for my turn. When the moment arrived, everything passed in a blur. I didn’t just leap; I flew. While my flight path didn’t come

as effortlessly as theirs, both of my feet certainly left the ground for at least a few seconds, and upon landing, my legs instinctively led me back into the line, to fly again. With a morale-boosting leap under our belts, the boys in the room moved into positioning fit for a small but well organized militia, to learn a minute or two of choreography from “Romeo and Juliet.” The moves seemed simple enough, until the girls complicated the mix — a scenario I assume is as common in ballet as it is in life. I smiled as my partner danced around me; I had finally realized my rightful place at the center of a graceful alcove in this world where so little is beautiful. I didn’t understand that in merely a few more beats; I would have to prove my worth as a member of their elegant ranks by lifting my partner into the air. After all, each of omnipresent PUB tanks reminded me to lift girls, not weights. When the climactic moment came, however, I figured that, for everyone’s safety, I would stick to a light regimen of free weights approved by a primary care physician for at least six months before attempting to lift anyone. Despite my personal failure to lift anything but my own spirits during my two grand jetés, the class ended with a laugh as PUB members and nonmembers alike began lifting anyone around them up into the air. I’m not sure how to describe my status as a dancer upon completion of the PUB 102, but with course registration for the fall approaching quickly, I know I’ll add any future class offered by Princeton University Ballet to my docket.

The Daily Princetonian

Thursday April 10, 2014

Changing paths from

BRICK BY BRICK

PREMED

Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza

ZOE PEROT Senior Writer

looked up through the glass dividing my workbench from the guy across from me. We exchanged a glance and shook our heads, silently acknowledging the desperation, woe and mild consternation that permeated Orgo lab. Everyone in the room was busily mixing, inverting flasks, separating fluids and heating and cooling substances. I dreaded Orgo lab, but it wasn’t because I was particularly bad at it. My lab TA complimented me on my ability to get through things (since Orgo lab notoriously takes longer than the three hours scheduled), and my results were always accurate enough to create satisfactory lab write-ups. But every Wednesday I would get grimmer and grimmer as lab time approached, dragging my feet as I walked down the hill to Frick. I still don’t know what exactly made lab seem so arduous. Perhaps it was the length. Maybe it was the fact that we had to follow a set of instructions that appeared straightforward until the moment the lab TA was no longer helping us. I was frustrated as I struggled to understand exactly what I was doing and why, and whether it would ever really matter. But the most frustrating part was that I didn’t know when any of these questions would be answered. I told myself that after a few more lectures, or a few more chapters in the textbook, clarification would come. Even with my frustrations, there were parts of lab I enjoyed — they just weren’t related to organic chemistry. Professor Gingrich, seeing me in a pair of cowboy boots one day, told me “don’t hurt anyone with those” and proceeded to tell me all about his wife’s boot collection. He remembered this conversation and in later weeks went on to ask me how many pairs of boots I owned, and showed me pictures on his iPhone of the Jimmy Choo Uggs his wife had just bought. There was also Carl, the lab hero, who knew everything, and was always willing to help and explain with a warm smile. It really wasn’t all bad. But it wasn’t good either, and that was a problem for me. Most people take Orgo because of some requirement. Either they’re chemical engineers, or they’re premed, or they’re chem-

istry majors. I was no exception. The previous spring, in an attempt to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I decided, “Hey, being a doctor would be kind of great.” I could help people on a daily basis. I would be solving a new puzzle with each case. I was in chemistry at the time, which is one of the requirements, and liked it and was doing well. I had liked biology in high school. So that became the plan, and sophomore fall I signed up for classes that would start to fulfill my premed requirements: organic chemistry and molecular biology. MOL wasn’t any better than Orgo, really. It wasn’t the labs, this time, but the weekly homework questions that I struggled with most. The lab-related questions involved time-consuming graphs and tables whose result didn’t seem to justify the effort. The lecture-related questions were ambiguously phrased and often required looking up obscure scientific articles or struggling through complex math problems. I tried working with other people, and although it helped to have multiple brains searching for solutions, I often felt like I was a step or two behind my partners. The misery of knowing that I would be spending at least five hours feeling frustrated and, honestly, dumb, was new to me, and I hated it. Again I searched for a silver lining, because this was an integral part of the plan. So I reminded myself that overall the material was interesting, and my fellow classmates and professors were helpful and could always make me smile. I was conflicted. The classes were hard, but I thought I could handle them. There was a lot of work, but it was reasonable. The information was new, and that piqued my interest. However, I found myself disenchanted and reluctant to fully commit. I wasn’t captivated by stories of SN2 backattacks (if you’ve taken Orgo you know what I’m talking about). I found descriptions of genetic randomness in MOL overly mathy and boring. I realized I wasn’t feeling absorbed and enticed by the material, and that bothered me. If I was going to be premed — a doctor someday — then I should feel passionate about this stuff, right? Or was being a doctor something different? But then, wasn’t med school just more of the same?

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At this realization, I panicked, because it meant the loss of a plan. A good plan, a safe plan, a plan that had excited me. What would I do instead, having wasted, or so it seemed, all this time, effort and energy? I didn’t know what I should do. I just knew that I was unhappy and that I wanted things to feel different. At some level I recognized that perhaps I had picked a path that wasn’t quite right for me, but I didn’t want to have to return again to a point of uncertainty. I also didn’t want to give up. That wasn’t me. I knew that all good things take some struggles and challenges — it just felt like I had too many. I spent a weekend discussing it all with my mom, and we came to the conclusion that I should go a different direction in the spring, not necessarily giving up the idea of premed, but putting it on hold. I decided to explore classes that excited and engaged me. I knew to look for these classes in comparative literature. I was already pursuing the major, but now I can devote my full energy to it, without guilt. When people ask me my major, I don’t say “premed,” or “premed and ... ” I tell them comp lit and smile at the ones who ask me what exactly that means. I love languages. I love literature. I get to read and read and read this semester, and that makes me happy. I can’t say I’m proud of giving up or of probably not returning to the premed track. But I am pleased with where I’m headed, even if I’m not quite sure yet where I’m going. That is definitely another question. My uncle asked me over spring break what I was planning on majoring in and I told him comp lit. “That’s great!” he responded. “But, not to be too pushy or anything, but what are you planning on doing with it? What kind of job can you get?” I think a lot of people worry about that and sometimes, I do too. But I could teach. I could go to grad school. I could pursue a job in publishing or writing. I don’t even know what the possibilities are, really. I’ve also decided that if it makes me feel joyful and fulfilled, then it’s worth a little ambiguity in the future. I’ve learned that even when you have a plan, it doesn’t always work out, but something else will. Because life isn’t a science, it’s a story.

HARRISON BLACKMAN Staff Writer

n a corner of campus where gothic, colonial and modern architecture collide, a throwback to the Parthenon stands in a monumental, classical plaza. Though the majority of Princeton buildings conform to an overarching style of grand avenues and courtyards, Robertson Hall, home of the Wilson School, wasn’t designed to blend in. It was built to announce the University’s commitment to democracy and public service. While Robertson Hall’s self-importance clashes significantly with the complementary situation of the majority of campus buildings, in many ways it successfully fulfills its mission as a temple of democracy. Named after Charles Robertson, heir to the A&P fortune, Robertson Hall was initially conceived as a monumental building so as to distinguish the Wilson School from the politics department, according to Princeton historian W. Barksdale Maynard ’88. Inaugurated in 1966, the building was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect of the former World Trade Center. Critics of the building cite the wall that forms a barrier between Scudder Plaza and 20 Washington Road, the former Frick Chemistry Building, as a symptom of the building’s modernist self-celebration. Others complain about the style of the building. According to Maynard’s book, “Princeton: America’s Campus,” novelist Walter Kirn went so far as to describe the building’s columns as “vertical drips of Elmer’s glue.” University architect Ron McCoy GS ’80 explained that the style of Robertson Hall reflects the era of its construction. “Yamasaki was working in the style of New Formalism,” McCoy said, describing the style as “a postwar, post-international style characterized by idealistic, rational and monumental form.” The New Formalist style encourages the design of open plazas characteristic of Yamasaki’s design, which function as community spaces as well as pedestrian pathways. “The Plaza is a wonderful gateway to campus [from] the north and south on Washington Road, and [forms

a pedestrian corridor] moving east and west,” McCoy explained. “It’s a fabulously popular space for the University and community.” While the University community values Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza, the complex is less representative of the collegiate gothic style associated with Princeton architecture. “To alumni it’s recognizable. To the outside world, [it’s a] bank headquarters,” Maynard said, explaining the dissociation of New Formalism with academic function. When production companies represent the University on film, directors rarely choose to feature Robertson Hall, according to Maynard. Robertson Hall and Scudder Plaza are currently being modified to better respect the situations of neighboring buildings, in particular 20 Washington Road, which is being repurposed as a new home for the Department of Economics, according to the Princeton Facilities webpage. The planned renovation features an addition that will form a pedestrian bridge connecting to Scudder Plaza. In addition, the barrier separating the Plaza from 20 Washington Road is currently

under renovation to open Scudder Plaza to neighboring buildings. The University hopes to complete the project by summer 2016. The “Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads” statues by Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei will be on display in front of Robertson Hall’s columns until June 18, 2015, despite their current state in a protective plastic wrapping for the remainder of construction, according to a University webpage. The open plaza spaces celebrated by New Formalism offer suitably public venues for political art, such as Ai Weiwei’s statuary, which helps to promote the Wilson School’s democratic mission. While Robertson Hall may be anomalous in the context of Princeton’s architectural language, its compatibility with the building’s users should not be understated. “The classical language is the language of democracy in this country; [it’s] the language of Washington, D.C.,” McCoy said. “That’s why [Robertson Hall] has that monumental character. It’s an iconic fit between that language and the mission of the Woodrow Wilson School.”

COURTESY OF PRINCETON.EDU

ASK THE SEXPERT This week, she discusses herpes. Dear Sexpert,

Dear Cautious, You should give yourself a round of applause for fact-checking the rumors that you hear. Often rumors are incorrect or incomplete, particularly when it comes to sex and sexual health. In this case, there is an element of truth involved, but it isn’t the complete truth. Yes, there are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. But both of these viruses can affect the mouth or the genitals and can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 must get into the body through broken skin or mucous membranes, as found inside the mouth or in the genital area, to cause infection. The viruses can be transmitted through kissing, sharing drinking cups, utensils, cosmetics (e.g. lip balm) and sexual contact. Herpes causes groupings of small

THREADS

— Cautious about Cold Sores

fection by using a latex barrier during oral, vaginal or anal sex. The best course is to abstain from oral sex and kissing (as well as sharing utensils, etc.) if you or your partner has sores inside or around the mouth. When warning signs (e.g. burning, itching or tingling sensations) indicate the start of an outbreak, abstain from sexual activity. After an outbreak, wait at least seven days after the sores heal before resuming sexual activity. Though there is no cure for herpes, over-thecounter topical treatments exist to help with pain and healing for cold sores. Antiviral medications for genital herpes can reduce outbreaks, help speed recovery and greatly reduce the risk of transmission. If you suspect that you might have genital herpes, testing and treatment is available at Sexual Health and Wellness Services. have genital herpes, testing and treatment is available at Sexual Health and Wellness Services. speed recovery and greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

weekly glimpse at campus fashion

If your partner has a cold sore, is it possible to get genital herpes from oral sex? I’ve heard about that happening before. However, I have also heard that there are two types of herpes viruses, and the one that causes cold sores is different from the one that causes genital herpes. Are these just rumors, or is there an element of truth to them?

blisters near the area where the virus has entered the body. When these blisters are on the lip and around the mouth, they are called cold sores or fever blisters. The blisters are often painful but usually heal between several days to two weeks. Herpes is most contagious through contact with fluid from fever blisters but can also be carried in bodily fluids like saliva, sweat in the genital area, semen and fluids in the female genital tract. However, even brief skin-toskin contact can cause infection, and herpes can be spread when no symptoms are present. After an initial outbreak, the virus will lie dormant but can flare up again, causing outbreaks of blisters. Herpes is most likely to recur in the first year after infection. The rate and severity of recurrences varies among people. Oral herpes recurrences may be caused by sunburn, injury to the lips or other infections. Causes for genital herpes recurrences are unknown, but may be brought on by other infections, stress, surgery, menstruation, sexual intercourse and skin irritations. Exposure to HSV-1 is extremely common. Recent research suggests that almost 80 percent of college students with genital herpes have HSV-1. Furthermore, even if you have one type of herpes, it is still possible to contract the other type, which would cause a new outbreak. You can reduce your risk of in-

— The Sexpert

Interested in Sexual Health? The Sexpert is always looking for members of the community to join the team of sexual health educators who, along with fact-checking from University health professionals, help write these columns. Email sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com for more information and questions about sexual health. Don’t be shy!

BEN KOGER :: PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Name: Kingston Xu Year: 2016 Major: MAE Style summarized: Allows you to salivate a bit when you see it Button-up or Fly: Fly, I appreciate modern technology Wood or Stone: Wood, because it has its own soul

The Daily Princetonian

Thursday April 10, 2014

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BAC throws wild, impressive ‘House Party’ TOP TEN STREET’S

MICHAEL BECKER Senior Writer

ac:dance delivers exactly what it promises to with “House Party” — an unadulterated good time. The show opens with a confident and rousing medley, whose lighting, chants and crowd interaction build anticipation for what is to come. Afterward, a playful Hangover-esque filler introduces the rest of the show as a fuzzy flashback into what happened the night before. The following pieces are packed full of the dancing and humor that have become characteristic of BAC performances. Their choreography is, as always, precise and fierce; their music, clothing and general production quality together speak to a deeply professional passion balanced by casual swagger. One of the show’s early highlights is the unassuming “You’re Not Invited,” as performed by a clique of quiet wallflowers from the preceding filler video. Perhaps because of this introduction, one might expect their piece to be dry or lifeless. On the contrary, choreographer Lorenzo Laing ’16 has made it what the kids these days are calling “fresh to death.” The dancers’ grave unifor-

GRACE JEON :: CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

mity is impressive, and the routine is an interesting departure from BAC’s standard hip-hop fare. That being said, I would argue that this piece could best encapsulate BAC’s potential as a company: impossibly cool and executed with detailed precision, but still expressive of each individual’s style and approach. In this piece and many others, the dancers all seem like equals within the company. Although some are more talented than others, choreographers are sure to give all of the dancers their turn in the spotlight. By the end of the show, the audience feels as though they are personally and individually acquainted with each dancer. My only real complaint about the show is its length. As has been mentioned in previous reviews of recent BAC performances, the overall experience tends to lean towards the slightly bloated. Yes, the fillers are well produced and the danceoff is a regular highlight, but there are simply too many pieces. Given that their genre is already fairly specific, choreography seems to spill between pieces a bit too often. As a result, some of the less creative pieces like “Return of the Mack” get lost in the crowd. The choreographers’ brief experiments with West Indian and African styles are therefore a welcome respite from otherwise repetitive pieces. Future BAC managers could gain much by consolidating similar pieces and branching into new territories that will challenge their dancers’ obvious talent. To really appreciate their skills, you will just have to see to believe. One element of BAC performances that I fear is too often taken for granted is the company’s treatment of gender and sexuality. Without getting too mired in a sensitive discussion of cisnormativity and consent, I would like to congratulate their creativity, regardless of whether or not it is entirely intentional. In most other contemporary companies, women’s pieces frequently fall into the trap of either portraying them all as Succubus or sister figures; they are either sexified

1 3 5 7 9

Jams

“#SELFIE” by The Chainsmokers (they retweeted us).

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“Let It Go” by Idina Menzel.

GRACE JEON :: CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

BAC is the “BO$$” of their House Party and it is one that you do not want to miss.

tramps or angelic beauties, reliant upon their sex appeal or grace to engage audience attention. BAC, on the other hand, bucks the trend and presents its women as fierce and aggressive. They avoid those stereotypes and in so doing, evoke the

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ‘House Party’ Pros: High energy; great music;

fun interaction; interesting new approaches to choreography. Cons: Too long; sometimes

repetitive.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: dancers’ sexuality and strength in a much more realistic way. “B-A-yonce” and “Gangstas Don’t Dance or Boogie” demonstrate this particularly well. Of course, this is not to say that this is the only correct way to approach female performance in dance; it is simply a breath of fresh air. Similarly, “Bad for You” and “Love Games” are tender por-

trayals of complex romance through the characteristically aggressive BAC style. In conclusion, it has been a long time since I last reviewed a dance show for The Daily Princetonian, and much has changed since then. I have seen all the major companies’ shows and have learned what to expect from their themes, fillers and choreographies. In “House Party,” BAC has done away with the abstract and pretentious buzzword titles that seem to dominate this campus’ dance shows. Instead, their theme and advertising scheme is innovative in its simplicity. It provides a show without affectation but full of confident, precise and raunchy fun. I myself have joined a dance team that travels across the country to compete against other colleges and academies’ teams. This has given me a much greater appreciation for the vigor, precision and abandon with which BAC dances. They throw themselves completely into their art and, in so doing, consistently offer incredibly entertaining, engaging and real performances. This show is no exception, and it showcases some of the best dancing talent that this campus has to offer.

PSC’s ‘Twelfth Night’ delights with energetic humor OLIVER SUN

“Flawless” by Beyoncé.

“Love On Top” by Beyoncé.

“Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child (but really Beyoncé). “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera. Orange marmalade.

Strawberry jelly. Raspberry preserves.

Space Jam.

CAMPUS PICKS EVENT TASA’S NIGHT MARKET EAST PYNE COURTYARD Friday, 8 p.m.

Kick off your weekend this Friday night at TASA’s Night Market, an affair promising mouthwatering Asian cuisine and collaborations with a variety of student dance and comedy performances. Whether you’re an underclassman wondering how you’ll make it through Friday night without Late Meal or a senior looking for an opportunity to procrastinate take a study break from that thesis, head to East Pyne Courtyard for a taste of Taiwan.

Senior Writer

DANCE CAJA LOCA

raditionally, the twelfth night of Christmas is a time for celebration and festivities. William Shakespeare wrote “Twelfth Night” solely as a comedy — unlike Shakespeare’s more serious plays, “Twelfth Night” simply wants its audience to have a good time. As director Malena de la Fuente ’16 noted, “the real value of ‘Twelfth Night’ is in its entertaining nature.” For their spring production, Princeton Shakespeare Company accomplishes this by putting on a thoroughly enjoyable show filled with practical jokes and merriment. At the play’s core is a case of mistaken identity. Viola pretends to be the eunuch Cesario so that she can work for Duke Orsino, with whom she quickly falls in love. However, Orsino sends Cesario as a messenger to court Countess Olivia on his behalf, and hilarity ensues when Olivia falls in love with Cesario instead. The interactions between Olivia (Margaret Wright ’17) and Cesario/Viola (Katherine Clifton ’15) provide some of the funniest scenes in PSC’s “Twelfth Night,” such as when Wright scoots progressively closer to Clifton in an attempt at seduction, while the lat-

ter struggles to maintain distance between them. Wright delicately conveys Olivia’s initially conflicted feelings about Cesario, whose appearance causes her to reconsider her rejection of all marital prospects after her brother’s death. Simultaneously sly and shy, Wright peeks out cautiously when she sees Clifton approach as she plots ways to make Cesario fall for her. The audience wants to root for Olivia, but also sympathizes with Cesario’s precarious position. In a comedic subplot of “Twelfth Night,” some members of Olivia’s household play a cruel prank on her steward, the pompous Malvolio, portrayed by Sean Toland GS. Toland captures Malvolio’s pretentious nature through vivid facial cues, such as frowning and turning up his nose at the celebrations. The pranksters convince Malvolio to turn from his usual somber self into a completely laughable character by forging a love letter to him from Olivia, prompting him to dress in bright yellow stockings and garishly crossed suspenders. Toland, in this remarkable transformation, aptly demonstrates his comedic abilities.

Malvolio is not the only source of physical comedy in “Twelfth Night.” Sir Andrew Aguecheek, played by T.J. Smith ’16, provides comic relief as an awkward and dimwitted associate of Sir Toby Belch (Samuel Gelman ’16). He demonstrates his

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ‘Twelfth Night’ Pros: Lives up to promise of

comic entertainment.

Cons: Some scenes felt

underprepared.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: fancy dancing skills by prancing clumsily across the stage. In another scene, when he must face Cesario in a sword duel, he feigns bravado, but once he takes his sword, Smith is hilariously nervous: His blade clatters against Cesario’s as he shakes uncontrollably with fear. Smith’s scenes with Gelman provide humor through both action

and dialogue, such as when Sir Andrew notes that Sir Toby plays a fool “with a better grace, but I do it more natural.” Before the play begins, Julia Peiperl ’17 and Luke Hamel ’16 play the guitar and sing songs for the audience. This serves to enhance the mood of the play as part of Christmas festivities, and audiences should plan to arrive early for this treat. Christmas lights strung around the columns in the theatre further add a metaphysical element to the performance’s atmosphere: The actors portray not only their characters, but also partakers of Twelfth Night celebrations. However, some aspects of this performance felt less rehearsed than others. For instance, during some scenes actors accidentally interrupted each other as if having forgotten when to speak their lines. These occasional lapses took away from the entire play’s effect. PSC’s latest adaptation of “Twelfth Night” shines with its comedic gold. True to de la Fuente’s words, this production is “upbeat and exciting, even slightly absurd.” Those seeking an evening of fun and entertainment will not be disappointed.

HEADLINERS AND HEADSHAKERS articles you didn’t read this week DAILY PRINCETONIAN STAFF

Dartmouth students stage sit-in at presid ent’s office; Malkiel posits student body has too much free time, suggests grade deflation Breaking: USG announces Lawnparties headliners, students show brief but intense stint of interest in campus affairs

Class of 2018 assigned summer reading, Eisgruber hopes to introduce ambitious prefrosh to a long tradition of procrastination

WAWA TEMPORARILY REM CLASS BANNERS, STUDEN OVES TS TO TEARS OVER UNREQU MOVED ITED LOVE

Passes for Late Meal shut down, freshmen forced to return to awkward interactions with upperclassmen Class of 2014 Pub Night rescheduled due to rain; Tilghman scoffs at undergraduates’ weakness in the face of inclement weather

CAMPUS CLUB Friday, 10:30 p.m.

Princeton Latinos y Amigos is hosting the fiesta of the year! There will be dancing on dancing on dancing — salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, reggaeton and more. Do you need a certain song to get your body moving? You’re in luck! Caja Loca will be taking your song requests via a Google form on its Facebook page. Don’t miss out on the perfect Friday night dance break!

EVENT QUEER MONOLOGUES MURRAY-DODGE CAFE Sunday, 8 p.m.

It is Pride Week and Princeton Pride Alliance has sponsored and hosted a variety of events, talks and activities on campus. Cap off a week of impressive programming by attending “Queer Monologues” this Saturday. It will feature spoken presentations, through poetry and prose, to convey students’ personal experiences and narratives. Students who wish to remain anonymous but still wish to share can submit their narratives to be read by volunteer readers. “Queer Monologues” aims to create an atmosphere of sharing, solidarity and inspiration.

CONFERENCE PINK FLOYD: SOUND, SIGHT, AND STRUCTURE TAPLIN AUDITORIUM, MCCOSH 10 AND SMALL WORLD COFFEE Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Have you ever wanted to learn more about Pink Floyd in a purely academic setting? Have you ever wanted to attend a conference that would present an opportunity to listen to lectures while also premiering live arrangements of music? Look no further. Coorganized by Princeton composers and Ph.D. candidates Gilad Cohen and Dave Molk, this event will bring together scholars of music, art and culture. Admission is free, but registration for sessions must be booked through the RSVP page!

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