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51����’s School of Dance Presents: The 2022 Spring Senior Dance Concert, “Reclaim”
 

Friday April 8, at 7pm and 9pm
Saturday April 9, at 7pm and 9pm
Shirley Wimmer Theater, Putnam Hall

This spring, ten 51���� seniors employ their unique perspectives in newly created choreographic works to be presented in the Senior Dance Concert titled “Reclaim,” on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The concert, presented in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater located in Putnam Hall, features new choreographed works by Morgan Arcoraci, Madison Bauza, Paige Campbell, Keeley Conroy, Toria Gobel¸ Ellen Hesketh, Elyse Kassa, Jillian Lewis, Noah Molina and Anna Stover. As part of the senior capstone experience, seniors in the dance program collaborate on the planning and production of this senior concert event. The School of Dance adheres to all State and University mandated COVID-19 protocols. Tickets are $14.00 for general admission if purchased online or at the door. The concert is free to students with a valid OU ID only at the door thanks to the support of Arts of OHIO. All other tickets can be purchased online.

STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHIC STATEMENTS 

Created by Paige Campbell in collaboration with cast, “we see the light because we see the darkness first,” observes the relationship between bodies within a space that compares light and dark through movement. Performed to "Clouded Street Sign" by Michael Wall and inspired by "Alabama," created by Norman Lewis, dancers explore space, time, and relationships within themselves and each other.

Toria Gobel’s “...next to my heart...” is a mindful solo exploring memories of her family's past with home videos. The solo is performed inside the projected video screen and abruptly changes from videos to sound. She explores memories of her loved ones with evolving movement incorporated with moments of remembrance and stillness.

The solo performance, “lido,” is choreographed and performed by Anna Stover. The sound score created by Lorenzo Fava, drives the dancer through an exploration of space. The investigation of circularity is fused between the dancer, the musician, and the sound. Counter tensions are created through the dynamic movement of the dancer in play with the rhythms of the musician. The connection between the dancer and the musician is welcomed through the delineation of pathways in the space they hold together.

“Space Claim” is a solo piece choreographed by Jillian Lewis. In this piece, she aspires to transform the space to be unapologetically hers. To accomplish this goal, she uses the sounds of deep house music and physical and mental exploration of every inch of the space she is in. Jillian’s piece also aims to create a dynamic piece that begs the question, “how can I make this new place my own?”

�������ɲ�” is a group work choreographed by Noah Molina, inspired by his appreciation for dark fantasy media and themes of supernatural winter. The sound is a recording of “A Corridor of Frozen Trees” by Encloaked.

Madison Bauza's “Clouded Regards” explores themes of forgiving oneself and pushing through time. This work explores the connections between intimate movements in the body and the constant stream of thoughts in the mind. Set to "Sweep" by Michael Wall, the viewer is encouraged to observe the body's shifts and apply their observations to their thoughts.

“change; anytime” revolves around five movement artists, 210 possible dances, and a “wheel of fortunes.” This is a performance art piece generated by a live-action chance procedure. Movement, text, and set design created by Elyse Kassa in collaboration with participating artists place dance making inside a live-action game show setting, demystifying “the creative process” and demonstrating the generative power of playtime. 

“TOD 7:50 pm 3/16/22,” choreographed by Ellen Hesketh in collaboration with her cast, utilizes internal energy as initiation for movement, allowing the body to naturally react once it has escaped. Set to “Falling Off a Horse” by Felix Laband, the dancers navigate through space together to reach a final destination… heaven?  

Keeley Conroy’s self-choreographed solo, “Waffles on Sunday,” explores sensations of nostalgia as she recalls moments of her life that have brought herself fulfillment and joy. The piece is accompanied by sound “With Me” by artist Michael Wall, which creates a world for the dancer to perform and further explore emotions from the past- while connecting the mind and to reflect in the present.

“d�������Ჹ��,” choreographed by Morgan Arcoraci in collaboration with their dancers, explores phases of awareness and shifts of focus. This piece was inspired by Morgan’s experiences with ADHD. The dancers focus on each other and the space around them in phases, creating a peculiar yet strangely familiar environment. The muffled sounding audios and arbitrary language heard throughout the piece at different volumes influence the intensity and dynamic of the movement. “�徱�����Ჹ��”is a physical expedition into the busied yet quiet mind of an individual with ADHD