SUU Dance presents original choreography
By Ashley H Pollock
SUU’s theater and dance department will present Public Displays: An Original Choreographed Dance Concert Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. Faculty, student, and guest artist choreographers created dance pieces that are performed by SUU students for the spring dance concert. These pieces are an interpretation of the choreographer’s experiences and observations. Hard work, heart, soul, and dedication go into these performances.
“I had the wonderful opportunity to choreograph a piece for Public Displays,” said Averi Christiansen, a junior majoring in dance performance and marketing. “It has been so rewarding to see the dancers progress during each rehearsal and enjoy the movement they have been given. The best part about being a choreographer is seeing all of the working parts come together. When the dancers’ hard work pays off, when the lighting design accentuates the movement, and the costume adds to the mood of the piece, I can’t help but be happy that my choreographic vision has come true. Southern Utah University’s dance department is making its name in the dance world, thanks to the talented faculty members. Dancers are training longer, harder, and are being prepared to enter this field of work. The community is strongly encouraged to attend, not just to be entertained and see what is next in dance but that culture relies on the arts.”
The concert also features Burch Mann’s original choreography from the repertoire of the American Folk Ballet restaged by Lise Mills. “A Night at Big Bill Broonzy’s” and “Rampart Street Parade” are dances that are fun and full of energy. Burch Mann loved the ragtime tap and ballroom style that inspired these dances. Each year, we present a Burch Mann masterpiece to assure her extraordinary talent is not lost.
“It is rewarding to work with such amazing and down-to-earth students and faculty,” said Kayla Nelson, a junior majoring in dance education. “I love when I have that ‘light bulb’ moment where I am finally able to grasp a concept or a move that the choreographer has been asking of me. This production has taught me that I have capabilities beyond what I thought I did. It has pushed me physically and mentally to new capacities and I have experienced immense growth because of it.”
For more information about the dance performance program at SUU, please visit suu.edu/pva/ta/dance-performance.html. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for alumni with card, and $5 for youth. SUU faculty, staff, and students can get in free with a valid ID card. Tickets can be purchased at the America First Event Center Box Office, at the door the night of the performance, or online at suu.edu/pva.
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