Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 15, 2007 issue
Appalachian Dance Ensemble’s Annual Spring Concert February 28 to March 3
Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Appalachian Dance Ensemble Annual Spring Concert from Wednesday, February 28, through Saturday, March 3, at 8:00 p.m. in Valborg Theatre. The concert features choreography by dance faculty, students and a guest choreographer, and includes seven new works.
Tickets are $6 for students and $10 for adults and are available at the Valborg Theatre Box Office or by calling 828-262-3063.
The seven new pieces featured in this spring’s concert include “Spatial Disconnect,” choreographed by faculty member Susan Lutz. This dance explores how difficult it is to stay in sync as our lives seem to become increasingly complicated and multifaceted. It also addresses the idea that human nature encourages us to “find our place” and “stay in step” but our creativity pushes us in other directions. “Spatial Disconnect” features 12 student dancers, theatre design and technology major Cameron Pence as lighting designer and faculty member Sue Williams as costume designer.
“Contrails” is a new work choreographed by faculty member Emily Daughtridge and performed by four male and five female students. The dance comments on the love songs of John Denver while exploring the intersecting journeys of relationships and the experience one accumulates along the way. Theatre design and technology major Derek Nord is designing lighting.
“Undercurrent,” choreographed by faculty member Regina James, is a pointe piece using a mix of ballet and modern techniques to express the motion and emotion of the music, written to reflect the way ocean waves reach the shore. Like a wave, the music begins slowly and builds in intensity before coming back down peacefully, until the last statement played by the violin signifies that the sea is calm once again. The dance features seven student dancers. Lighting design is by faculty member Jeromy Hopgood and costume design is by Sue Williams.
“Graceful Exit” was created directly from archetypal imagery related to guest community choreographer Hope Brawley life’s journey. During the creative process, Brawley became more aware of how images from her dreams, conscious and subconscious can be guides to a deeper understanding of self. The dance features six student dancers. Costume design is by Hope Brawley and Sue Williams, and lighting design is by Cameron Pence.
“Moments of Love,” choreographed by student Vera Woazeah, expresses love and sensuality through the art of dance. Seven student dancers participate in the piece that features Jeromy Hopgood as lighting designer.
“Indian Sunset” is a powerful piece about the strife and struggles of the Native Americans. Choreographed by student Ashley Brooks, it features seven student dancers and the music of Elton John. Lighting design is by theatre major Thomas Painter.
Student choreographer Dani Harris’s piece, “Dreaming Seamless Dreams,” is about the idiosyncrasy of dreams and the power they hold over the mind. Dreams, often impossible or unlikely to occur in physical reality, are usually outside the control of the dreamer. Theatre major Matt Backe is lighting designer for the piece.
Want To Go?
Dates: Wednesday, February 28, through Saturday, March 3
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Valborg Theatre, ASU
Cost: $10 adults/$6 students