The spotlight is set to shine on not one single dance technique in February, but many in a celebration of dance and the many ways it has of communicating and presenting concepts and ideas. Four different dance groups and companies under IU South Bend, six Directors/Choreographers, a mixed-media artist, and a drummer, as well as many students of dance will combine to bring together February’s “A Celebration of Dance: Digital Age.” The performance is slated for February 23-25 at the Upstage in Northside Hall.
According to Carolynn Hine-Johnson, adjunct assistant professor of Dance, there are many performances to look forward to at this event, and with a few descriptions, the digital age theme comes to life.
For Hine-Johnson’s “Astral Fantasy” piece, “the dancers will wear all white with colored projections from Eric Souther on their costumes. The dancers will appear as fantasy creatures in outer space,” she says of the contemporary piece. Souther is an assistant professor of new media at IU South Bend.
Other numbers from the IU South Bend Dance Company include “Night Music” and “Briefly,” choreographed by Colin Raybin, and “Untitled” choreographed by Justin Amellio.
“’Night Music’ is about a luna moth mating ritual with piano music played by Shalva Vashakashvili. Colin will also present ‘Rach 10’ with Mr. Vashakashvili on piano. Finally, ‘Briefly,’ is a duet with two men,” Hine-Johnson described. “[Amellio’s] piece was inspired by artist and sculptor Sean Hottois. It’s about human interaction with a sculpture,” she says.
The performance features many different types of dance and dance groups demonstrating the different interpretations of the show’s theme. Those performing in addition to the IU South Bend Dance Company include: the IU South Bend Kickline, director/choreographer Karen Pajor with two tap dances, Middle Eastern dance with director/choreographer Ruby Jazayre for two dances, and two African American contemporary dance pieces with director/choreographer Kelly Morgan, featuring drummer James Riley.
The performances will take place in the Upstage in Northside Hall, from Thursday, February 23 through Saturday, February 25. The performances on Thursday and Friday will take place at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets will range from $5-$9 and are free to students and children.