Wright State dance students to premiere choreography work

The “Emerging Choreographers 2015” concert Feb. 14 and 15 will feature new works by five seniors and 13 juniors in the Wright State dance program.

Wright State student dancers will present new works during the dance program’s “Emerging Choreographers 2015” concert.

The concert takes place Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. A $5 donation is recommended to support future student productions.

The “Emerging Choreographers” concert will feature new choreographic works by five seniors and 13 juniors in the dance program. Each work promises to be a unique expression as the dancers discover their artistic voice through movement.

“You get the students’ point of view, their interpretation of choreography and their voices. It’s usually a very eclectic concert,” said Gina Walther, associate professor of dance.

Wright State dance majors take choreography courses in their sophomore and junior years.

Wright State dance majors are train in a variety of dance styles, and this year’s concert includes Indian-inspired work, classic modern pieces, fun jazz works and quiet emotional pieces.

The concert represents the first time the dance majors have mounted their work on stage. Their responsibilities including setting a piece to music of their choice, casting dancers, putting together costumes and collaborate with lighting designers from Wright State’s design technology program.

“It’s a wonderful concert for thinking outside the box and seeing lots of different approaches to dance,” Walther said. “I know we’re going to have a good concert when I watch them and I feel inspired by their work.”

Wright State dance majors are intensely trained in a variety of dance styles. This year’s concert includes Indian-inspired work, classic modern pieces, fun jazz works and more quiet emotional pieces.

“There’s something for everyone,” Walther said.

“Emerging Choreographers” includes choreography by Wright State Dance Ensemble seniors: Kyle Adam, Lisa Gray, Anna Handelsman, Katie Longshore and Mally Reber; and juniors: Alex Caldwell, Lilly Checchio, Rebekah Espich, Victoria Gilman, Faryn Kelly, Lindsey Knoth, Shayla Litteral, Kailyn Mack, Aaron Micheal, Taylor Ramos, Elizabeth Ramsey, Scotti Stoneburner and Alexandra Torres.

The Wright State Dance Ensemble’s Spring Dance Concert will take place April 23–26. The concert will feature new works by Wright State faculty and special guests DCDC2 and DB2.