Dancing in the Landscape 2020

Director’s Note

In years past, Dancing in the Landscape was performed in various locations around our beautiful campus, allowing audience members to travel to each site to view these works. This year, we have re- conceptualized the format of this production in light of Covid-19 and have captured the pieces on film. At first, the challenges we faced as a team seemed daunting. Not only did we have to re-envision our choreography for film, but we had to grapple with dancers going into quarantine in addition to conducting socially distanced rehearsals (no small feat for an arts medium based on physical connection). At the same time, these challenges opened many new doors for us. We had the good fortune to work with Professor J McMerty in the School of Communications, who helped us to create works beyond what we previously imagined. As a result, we have been able to stay true to the mission of Dancing in the Landscape, which is to create innovative pieces in non-traditional spaces. These limitations provided the choreographers and performers with the opportunity to develop a sense of flexibility and inventive strategizing, which will undoubtedly serve all of us in our future endeavors. As a result, the pieces in this production showcase original, creative, and powerful works of art. This year’s production features pieces from four talented student choreographers: Arianna Shahin, Mackenzie Holub, Hannah West, and Sarah DeSordi. Each of their chorographic works demonstrates unique, thoughtful engagements with nature and the architecture around campus. From these pieces, there emerges a sense of joy, collaboration, hopefulness, and resiliency. The show also highlights the brilliant works of Professors Jiwon Ha, Alexandra Joye Warren, and Amy Beasley. Thank you so much for tuning in. We hope you enjoy this performance.

Sincerely,
Casey Avaunt

Special Thanks

Lauren Kearns, Jen Guy Metcalf, Renay Aumiller, David McGraw, Will Roberson, J. McMerty, Tony Spielberg, Kimberly Rippy, Lauren Jacobbe

Company