November is always a hectic time in the semester for everyone, but that has been compounded by the recent election and news cycle that has contributed to the stress and anxiety of our community. There is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion and fatigue in the air. Classes are moving towards final projects as the last performances of our production season have now concluded for the semester. The school is in full recruiting mode with a flurry of travel for faculty and staff and on-campus events to entice new students to apply for the upcoming year. With only a few weeks left in the semester, it is a mad dash to the finish line – winter break.
Despite those feelings of stress and lassitude, I was uplifted by our recent student production of Fall Dance Festival, which took place in The CH Foundation The Legacy of Christine DeVitt Black Box Theatre. This year’s production featured work by BA and BFA dance majors, including solo performances from the BFA choreographers. Thanks to the strong choreographer mentorship by Professor Melissa Brading and the robust training of our dance faculty, I believe this to be our strongest student production yet.
Each choreographer created thoughtful dance works that allowed us to see their unique, artistic voices that have culminated from their time and experiences at TTU. Each choreographer took creative risks that advanced their work to professional standards. I was enthralled by the collaborations they found with student composers and the sophisticated connection made through their costume, lighting, scenic, and sound designers. Each work was distinctive to the choreographer, and the audience was able to experience eleven beautifully performed dance works.
I was also thoroughly impressed by the student performers in the production. With a mixture of dance majors and minors, from first to fourth years, and even a cameo by one of our musical theatre students, audiences were treated to exhilarating performances by this standout cast. I saw students find their moment to shine onstage, bringing a new wave of confidence and sophistication in their movement and performative presence. Many of the dance works featured challenging, athletic movement while others required dramatic or comedic performances from the dancers. This production showcased the technical strength and performance abilities that our program has afforded to students. I am enamored by the talents our students possess and what they have achieved during their training in our program.
If you missed Fall Dance Festival this year – you missed out on a truly magical evening of dance, and a very proud moment for our program! Congratulations to all who worked on the show!
Remember, you do have an opportunity to see many of these same students perform in DanceTech, this upcoming February 27 through March 2 in the Maedgen Theatre!
