The concert includes a solo dance by HSU senior Carrie Walpole and a dance by sophomore Jenny Wright that were selected for performance at this year’s American College Dance Festival.
The other student choreographers are seniors Kara Ajetunmobi, Camille Ruiz and Keili Simmons Marble, juniors Lizzie Chapman and Dani Gutierrez, sophomore Fiona Rose Melia and British exchange student Kelly-May Roberts. Laura Munoz is the faculty choreographer.
Some of the student choreography emerged from class assignments to investigate elements of personal growth or social issues, and develop a dance vocabulary to give body to these explorations. Nearly all the choreographers named such subjects as influencing the creation of their dances. They explore vulnerability and fear, control and spontaneity, the challenge of gender stereotypes and anxieties over body image: in life and love as well as in dance, the battle for balance “On the Edge of Your Feet.”
Another regular feature of the annual dance concert is a raffle that helps support such activities as sending student dancers to the American College Dance Festival. “I often see a big jump in the maturity of the dancers who attend the festival,” said Sharon Butcher, artistic director and HSU dance professor. “When they see what other dances in other places are doing, it really makes a difference. There’s a greater level of maturity, ability and attitude about the art form. It shows as well in their performance skills.”
This year the prizes from local businesses include an iPad mini, as well as gift certificates. Tickets will be sold at all performances, and the drawing is held on the final Saturday.
“On the Edge Of Your Feet,” the HSU spring dance concert, is performed Thursdays through Saturdays April 4-6 and 11-13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday April 7 at 2 p.m., in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. $10 general/$8 seniors, students and children, with a limited number of free seats to HSU students at each performance, from HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Sharon Butcher, produced by HSU Department of Theatre, Film and Dance. http://HSUStage.blogspot.com.