Individual style and expression from Ohio University students, faculty and a visiting professional dancer will shine through the variety of dances performed in the School of Dance Spring Concert starting tonight.
Nine dances compose the concert. It consists of five choreographed by students, two choreographed by School of Dance professors, an OU Tap Cats performance choreographed by an OU alumna, and one choreographed and performed by visiting professional Lisa K. Lock. The performances range from modern to contemporary to the dancers' own expressions.
The concert gives the audience a chance to view more that just the modern dance and get a taste of what's out there
said Monica Pack, a sophomore dance major.
The piece Progression choreographed by Pack, is based on the idea of tunnels and people traveling separately from one end to another.
Dancers never have involvement with one another so its really like they're traveling their own path
Pack said about the dance.
Pack can also be seen in two other performances, one choreographed by a faculty member and the other student choreographed and performed by Janelle Bonfour-Mikes, which does not have any rehearsed positions.
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which explores the idea of recognizing pathways and how movement makes literal and figurative pathways ' with the use of white and colored confetti.
(The dance) shows that actions have an immediate impact on personal life
Graciani said, adding that his modern dances are known for being highly physical and emotionally charged.
Associate Professor Travis Gatling will debut Before the Rain
a contemporary and jazz piece five years in the making. It pays tribute to New Orleans and the celebration of Marti Gras.
I want to try to reflect the spirit of that celebration
especially in the light of Hurricane Katrina
Gatling said.
With music by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and text read by Jelly Roll Morton, an ensemble of 13 dancers portrays the different kinds of people and the realness of the celebration while incorporating individual expression, Gatling said.
Lock, a visiting professional and a choreographer and ballet mistress for the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, will perform, Insomnia
a piece that displays the feeling between being awake and asleep at the middle of the night.
With the use of an elaborate prop, Lock will show how movement defies gravity.
With each piece I do I try to reinvent myself and try something new
she said.
The concert will take place in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theatre at Putnam Hall. Dancers will perform at 7 and 9 each night through Saturday.
