Southern Utah University’s dance department will present a faculty-choreographed dance concert, Body Project, at the Randall L. Jones Theater. Performances will be given April 12–15 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance April 15 at 2 p.m.
“In addition to the innovative work of faculty, a piece titled ‘Bach Suite’ created by internationally renowned choreographer and dancer Murray Louis and taught by Alberto Del Saz will be performed by our students,” said Kay Andersen, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance. “It is an honor to present this dance, which has been tested by time and performed throughout the world on prestigious stages.”
The Southern Utah University dance faculty prepares a dance concert each year featuring faculty choreography.
“My piece is about problem solving and using the performing intelligence of the dancers,” said Patty Meredith, assistant professor of dance. “Choreography is a series of thousands of choices and decisions. ‘Splitting Heirs’ (a working title) has the dancers making choices while they perform, reacting to each other and the cues and clues they receive. The rehearsal process has been rollicking fun.”
Students have the opportunity to audition as performers for the faculty-choreographed dance concert during the school year. Once selected, they work closely with their faculty choreographers to achieve the look and feel of the dance piece in which they are performing.
“I am in a few pieces for the faculty-choreographed dance concert,” said Mary Newey, a senior in the dance department. “Every piece is different. They each have their own life, personality, and story to tell. I’m fortunate enough to get to be the medium it is shared through. I personally think it is the highest honor to get to be someone’s vision, to become their art. Each of the processes I’ve been involved in has been vastly different. However, each has been thoughtful and detail oriented. It is amazing the specificity that is involved in creating these dances.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Southern Utah University faculty, staff, and students enter free with a valid ID card. Faculty and staff are allowed one guest. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the show or online at suu.edu/pva.
Articles related to “SUU dance department presents Body Project”
Dixie State University’s dance team places first at West Coast Championship
St. George gets lampooned on Saturday Night Live for “Footloose” ways
