Written by the School of Dance Ballet Choreography and Production Students
Seventeen Ballet Program choreographers will showcase their original works November 16 through 18, at the Marriott Center for Dance. This performance is the culmination of the Choreography & Production class, and includes pieces ranging from ballet to hip-hop. Although each work is unique, they explore common ideas such as harmonious diversity, the growth of identity, and the gray spaces between binaries.
Many of the choreographers were drawn to the idea of individuality and the way that every person fits together peacefully. Tyler Piwowarczyk’s piece highlights each dancer’s unique strengths. He drew inspiration from the strong women surrounding him and from Coco Chanel’s quote, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
Sierra Govett drew inspiration from a Danish TV advertisement, and her choreography communicates the importance of recognizing the commonalities between individuals. Through a duet, Emily Chapman explores how “the acceptance of vulnerability allows us to connect with others.” Also exploring relationships is Natalie Dellutri, who invites her audience to discover that although an individual may feel lonely, he or she is never truly alone.
The choreographers were also interested in the concept of identity. Tia Sandman’s work explores the concept of “meshing multiple sides of you, into you.” While Madeline Jones uses her choreography to consider that all emotions must be present for an individual to be truly whole. Victoria Coleman reminds her audience that even though they are pulled in many directions, they must stay true to themselves. Emily Lowe’s piece for a solo artist investigates the confident feeling of “I am enough”.
Other choreographers explored the healing power of dance. Brooke Huebner encourages the audience to consider the importance of living in the now, rather than struggling with the burdens of the past and the pressures of the future. Savanna Hunter examines how distance from trauma affects time. In a classical piece, Kyle Cunningham emphasizes the happiness dancers feel when they are dancing for the sake of dancing. Jennifer Dzuranin, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s poems, creates movement hearkening back to a time of imagination. Tori Holmes choreographed in order to remind her audience that there is always hope in the face of oppression, using dance to depict the strength one must have to keep faith. Nell Josephine’s piece investigates the way three people use dance to overcome their anxiety and fear.
Lastly, choreographers explore the gray areas between hard and fast rules. The butterfly effect, in which one tiny action can cause an enormous effect, is the inspiration for Alex Sprague’s work. Lexie Cheyne questions the conventional gender roles found in most dance forms, deconstructing the preconceived notions of what is possible for every individual. Jalen Williams incorporates elements from ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop, declaring, “we are more than just ballet dancers”.
These seventeen choreographers invite you to grayspace at the Marriott Center for Dance, November 16 at 5:30P, November 17 at 7:30P and November 18 at 2P and 7:30P. Tickets are available online, phone at 801.581.7100 or at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain. For more information, please visit Dance.utah.edu.