Dance Showcase 2016 marked the first ever full act of aerial dance performed at ETSU. In addition, it was the first time a free standing aerial rig was used in a main stage dance production. When the first act ended, the aerial rig was taken down during intermission by the student running crew (audiences actually stayed in their seats to watch the rig come down and applauded the crew when they finished removing the rig, as they did it so quickly and with such an air of ease that it seemed to disappear from the stage by magic!). Then, the dancers performed the second act of dance featuring contemporary floor work. The two acts, titled “In the Air” and “On the Ground” highlighted our dance students’ ability, training, and artistry.
My choreography in STRUT (pictured above) featured the entire cast (20+ dancers) performing as a finale to the evening’s concert. The dance was composed of complex synchronous choreography interspersed with moments of individualized movement to represent dancers working to form one group dynamic while also embracing their unique and expressive selves.
Photo Credit: ETSU Photographic Services
Lighting Design: Melissa Shafer