In collaboration with JazzAntiqua Dance and Music Ensemble, the department of theatre, dance, and arts administration will be opening their yearly faculty dance concert on Nov. 1. Performances take place on Nov 1, 2 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre.
“Prismatic” features pieces choreographed by dance professors Alexandra Bradshaw-Yerby, Nancy Dobbs Owen, Danielle Lydia Sheather and Halie Bahr, as well as a piece by guest choreographer Pat Taylor. Taylor is the founder and artistic director of JazzAntiqua. Bradshaw-Yerby and Owen serve as the artistic directors for the concert, while Sheather worked closely with Taylor to facilitate the guest choreography process.
The title for the concert, “Prismatic,” was conceptualized largely by Owen, who had to find a title that connected the very different pieces in the concert. The inspiration came from the idea of a prism, reflecting and shifting to show different angles.
“They are all just facets of the dance experience and of the life experience and of the different choreographers and musicians involved in the pieces,” said Owen.
As artistic directors, Bradshaw-Yerby and Owen primarily ensured that the process ran smoothly and that channels of communication were open. The choreographers were able to conceptualize their own pieces.
“Artistic expression is life giving. It is life supporting. It is life enhancing,” said Owen.
Each SUU professor rehearsed with their dancers six hours a week for six weeks, crafting their pieces from their initial concepts or ideas. Some dances will feature live music in collaboration with the music department.
“We would call this devised work, meaning that we kind of start with an idea, or we’re really creating something from nothing,” said Bradshaw-Yerby.
The rehearsal process for Taylor’s piece went differently than the other four pieces, as she was only in Cedar City for a short time. Alongside her assistant Latrice Postell, Taylor taught her piece from a Thursday to the following Tuesday, meaning she only had five rehearsals to teach the dance.
“At the very last rehearsal, she gifted the dance to the students,” said Sheather. “Then there was a conversation about how there’s a responsibility to hold that gift sacred.”
Sheather connected with Taylor when her work was presented at Jazz Dance Conference West, and when presented with the opportunity to choreograph a piece at SUU, she enthusiastically accepted.
In addition to helping facilitate Taylor’s dance, Sheather also choreographed a piece of her own, giving her a unique challenge.
“For me, the creative process is invigorating, but I did know that I wanted to do this piece last year,” said Sheather. “That was helpful, because I could develop it over the summer.”
“Prismatic” serves as a free opportunity for students to engage with Southern Utah University’s dance program, and to witness the collaboration between the departments of theatre, dance, and arts administration and music.
“I think it’s an incredible opportunity that SUU students have, that there is such high caliber art making happening here on campus,” said Bradshaw-Yerby.
Students are encouraged to make the trip across the street to the Anes to experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Their Saturday matinee will also feature two performances from Snow College.
“The collaborative efforts of dance is such a beautiful thing and such a fleeting thing,” said Sheather. “Dance lives in the ether… …you can’t hang the dance on a wall”
Author: Tessa Cheshire
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Photos courtesy of Nancy Dobbs Owen and Danielle Lydia Sheather
arts@suunews.net
