(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- What if we could embody language? How would this affect your interactions? How would you abstract your actions to create meaning? With move.meant, seven student choreographers from Rowan University’s Department of Theatre & Dance dare to explore the clear boundaries and limitless possibilities of these questions. The production runs April 28 and 29 at 8:00pm and April 30 at 2:00pm in Tohill Theatre at Rowan University.
The Student Choreography Showcase highlights seven new student-choreographed pieces. Choreographers Zulfiya Asquino of Wantagh, Michelle Campbell of Colonia, Kelly Connors of Barnegat, Tonia Fields of Voorhees, Hailey Hubbs of Mount Laurel, Sabrina Mazzotta of Glendora, and Nicole Tintle of Hillsdale, have produced fresh works examining the world in which we all coexist.
Kelly Connors’ Taking Shape is inspired by a fond childhood memory – going to the playground. Motivated by the themes of growth, play and physical activity, the performers investigate how our memories are preserved in our bodies, environment and relationships as our lives take shape, and likewise, shape others.
For bare, choreographer Tonia Fields found inspiration within the philosophy of naturalism as it relates to the female form. Navigating away from the fantasy-defined beauty in American culture, bare reclaims the subtle, provocative female form as power and majestic imagery.
Revolution Revolution, choreographed by Michelle Campbell, is a quintet of women exploring the world of circular journeys and habitual patterns. In order to evoke change, maybe we mustn’t be afraid to divert course, even if that means we are alone.
In Listen to the Ground, Nicole Tintle abstracts her knowledge of Italian architecture, language and landscape into a fast, fluid and grounded trio. Listen to the Ground viscerally ponders the question: do you travel to discover ground or cover ground?
Provoked by personal experiences, Sabrina Mazzotta's Break-Her portrays the finding of strength through hardships. Mazzotta’s controlled yet collapsed choreography aims to demonstrate one's capability of resilience, despite staggering monumental obstacles. Break-Her promises to be a progressive, physical representation of discovery derived from our most trying times.
In Zulfiya Asquino’s Welcome or Well…come, four diverse dancers investigate “being welcomed.” Discovered through abstraction, play and dance improvisation, the revealing choreography meditates on imperative concepts: diversity, unity and acceptance.
Hailey Hubbs’ Echo in the bones exposes a community whose currency is in the bones beneath their flesh, and are auctioned to the individual for the highest price. Weary of their bellicose neighbor, they share a common wealth, only to be embezzled by one hierarchy. Each soul toys with the question: Should these bones be negotiated?
Under the direction of Associate Professor Paule Turner, the Theatre & Dance Department’s choreography class aims to find compositional clarity and craft. Continuing to promote dance as art, this concert assembles a cast of 31 student performers to showcase student choreography developed through a year-long creative process with Turner.
Tohill Theatre is located in Bunce Hall on Rowan University’s campus, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ. Tickets are $10, general admission; and $5 for children, non-Rowan students and seniors. Tickets for Rowan students are free with a valid ID. For information and advance tickets, please visit www.rowan.edu/clubs/dance or call the Box Office at (856) 256-4545.