This production promises an exciting variety in styles and themes of dance. Cassandra Cree is choreographer of “Vanquishing Twilight.” Cree describes the piece as “a contemporary lyrical dance about accepting and overcoming endeavors that have beaten you up inside.” Cree adds that she “found inspiration in the idea that during hard times you can find support in yourself and others. I used movement that best represented internal struggle and the idea of coming together as one.”
“Redemption” explores contemporary, jazz and hip hop styles and is choreographed by Edgar Ocelotl, a student with a double major in Criminology & Justice Studies and Dance. Ocelotl, who found a passion for Latin dance during high school while attending family gatherings, describes the dance as a look at “how overcoming your inner struggles is a process that takes time but can lead to finding, understanding and hopefully loving yourself.”
Choreographer Austin Silavong explains that his dance “Reveries of Youth” was “inspired by the HSU children’s center philosophy of learning through social play. “I knew I wanted to work with one dancer and focus on innocence, joy, personal growth, and development. The dance takes place in a day dream of childhood memories.” Austin is a Cellular-Molecular Biology major with minors in Child Development and Dance.
Jessie Rawson choreographs “Jet Set” in the style of musical theatre. “Jet Set is a fun and sassy musical theater piece about the luxuries and joys that come with traveling the world for a living,” says Rawson.
Sharon Butcher, associate professor of dance, oversees the production. Butcher holds an MFA in performance and choreography. She has been an active member of the American College Dance Association having served as master teacher, lecturer, regional representative, and as a member of the board of the directors. Her choreography has been performed in various places in the United States as well as in England, Scotland and Spain. In addition to functioning as artistic director of Luminescence, Butcher is teacher/mentor of a dance production class where she guides students through all facets of producing this dance concert. Students work together on costuming, publicity, and fundraising in addition to the creation and rehearsal of the dances. Butcher explains that is a great experience for students: “They envision, create, choreograph/compose, and stage their dances. They coordinate, teach, coach and direct their cast members.” Butcher also choreographs one of the dances in the show.
All in all, there are nine student choreographers, two faculty choreographers, 11 dances and over 50 dancers. The dancers are mostly students but also include community members and alumnae of the Dance Studies Program.
Don’t miss this fascinating, creative and original performance. The production opens in the Van Duzer Theatre on April 6 and continues April 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. There will be one matinee performance beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 16. The performance on Saturday April 15 will include a silent auction fundraiser in the Theatre lobby. General admission is $10. Students and Seniors are $8. HSU students are admitted for free with student ID. Parking is free on weekends. For tickets, please call 707-826-3928. For more information, call the HSU Theatre, Film and Dance Department at 707-826-3566.