March 20, 2008 issue
Appalachian Dance Ensemble at Farthing April 2 to 5
Story by Anna Oakes
The Appalachian Dance Ensemble spring concert, ASU’s annual dance showcase, presents the best dancers and choreographers Wednesday to Saturday, April 2 to 5, at 8:00 p.m. each night in Farthing Auditorium.
The concert features seven new works—three choreographed by ASU dance faculty and four choreographed by students—performed by about 50 ASU dance students. Faculty designer Sue Williams designs the costumes and students design the lighting.
Faculty member Emily Daughtridge said the pieces primarily are modern, but “they all vary quite a bit in style.”
Lead the Follower, choreographed by faculty member Susan Lutz to music by artists The Books, Menomena, and edit, is a high-energy dance performed by eight women that explores relationships, how one deals with her surroundings and gets from here to there.
Daughtridge choreographed Just Beneath Our Skin, another high-energy piece performed by an all-male cast.
Faculty member Regina Gulick-James’ piece, A Time-Out, is based on Mercury retrograde—when the planet slows down and appears to stop and move backwards. Nine women exhibit clarity and strength in their presence and performance to the music of Karl Jenkins.
Student choreographer Corey Monk presents Veins of Vain Freedoms, a politically driven dance based on a poem Monk wrote two years ago titled “Was his Dream in Vain?” The modern, hip hop influenced work is performed by eight dancers to music by Mahalia Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Tsidii Le Loka.
A Senses Creation of Moving Landscapes, choreographed by student Sarah Martin, explores the journey to find one’s inner movement while interpreting the motion of the surrounding world. The movement of the piece is inspired by Martin’s experience with dance and yoga. Eight dancers perform the work to upbeat music.
Rigidity vs. Release, by student Kelsey Head, explores breaking away from life’s confinements and allowing one’s self a sense of freedom. Five women dance the work that begins with fast, mechanical movements and transitions to more organic interactions. Music by Bedroom Walls and Afro Celt Sound System accompanies the dance.
Student Brittany Wetzel’s choreographic work Obstacle Illusions explores the dancers’ dynamic interaction with boundaries that the human soul longs to meet, push, exceed and defeat. Music by Dntel, Massive Attackand Prefuse 73 accompanies this dance performed by eight women.
Tickets are $12 for the general public and $5 for students. For more information, call the Farthing box office at 828-262-4046.
Want To Go?
Date: Wednesday to Saturday, April 2 to 5
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Farthing Auditorium
Cost: $12 general public/$5 students
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