Brigham Young University’s Department of Dance will present the dancEnsemble winter concert Friday and Saturday, March 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard’s Building Auditorium.
Titled “Unveiling,” the concert will examine identity, trials, joys and hope. "From the poignant and reflective to the cheerful and amusing, there is sure to be something for everyone," according to Kori Wakamatsu of the BYU dance faculty.
Tickets at $6 are available at the Fine Arts Ticket Office, (801) 422-7664 or at byuarts.com/tickets.
Unlike many performing groups at BYU, the modern dance-based dancEnsemble focuses on original student choreography that provides a range of moods, emotions and ideas.
“One highlight will be Heather Gemperline’s 'Yε frε me (THEY CALL ME)' based on Ghanaian Azonto dance, which is similar to western hip-hop,” said Wakamatsu. “Having recently traveled to Africa, Heather explores the significance of a name on self-identity. Our name is the way people call to us, label our personalities and associate us with family and ancestors.”
Guest choreographer Kristen Jeppsen Groves' "The People's Evolution" explores the most basic element of humanity: the pursuit and struggle for freedom. Following major events from the 1980s to today, The People's Evolution follows the cycle of oppression to liberation as dancers pursue and actively challenge the prisons around them.
The performance will also include “Surrender of Pretense” choreographed by dancEnsemble Artistic Director Pam Musil; “Group” by Shane Davis and dancers; “Silver Lining” by Rachelle Allan and dancers; “Broken Things to Mend” by Chelsea Alley; “On the Go” by Heidi Jorgensen; “Victory” by Jessie McCloskey; “Quiet Heart” by Aubry Madsen; “Attempt to Unveil” by Elise Townsend; “When You’re Smiling” by Makenna Jones; “Standard of Man” by Kamarie Fernandes; and “Cups of Elbows and Knees” by Rachel Barker.
For more information, contact Ken Crossley at (801) 422-9348, ken_crossley@byu.edu.
Writer: Melissa Connor
