As the snow and frigid temperatures begin to abate on campus, this year’s Winter Dance Concert explores the beauty of the changing seasons and the splendor of nature.
After a term of preparing for this event, the cast of 24 Union dance students will use their movements to highlight the distinct moods and significance of each season in Circling Beginnings: Dancing the Seasons at Yulman Theater, Wednesday, March 6 through Saturday, March 9.
“This year’s concert will present the rhythms of our seasons and their ever-changing influences on human nature,” said the show’s creator, Dance Program Director Miryam Moutillet. “Can nature be represented? Can the human spirit be expressed?”
Circling Beginnings features dance projects by Jenna Langhans ’13, Samantha Moyer ’14 and Mary Suttie ’15. A former member of the dance program, Emily Lnenicka ’12, will perform solos that introduce each of the seasons.
In addition, Connor Barrett ’14 and Meaghan Melley ’16 will sing “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
Among the numbers is Moyer’s “Moments of Summer.” Set to “Drumming Song,” by Florence and the Machine, it incorporates elements of hip hop and lyrical dance and features Moyer and four other dancers.
“The point of the piece is to capture the feeling of living in the moment,” said Moyer, who is involved in the Winter Dance Concert for the third year in a row. “I really enjoy participating in the concert and being able to work with the talents of other students.”
Both Suttie and Langhans, inspired by the changing colors and transformative nature of fall, chose autumn as their theme.
The show also features choreography by Moutillet and dance instructor Marcus Rogers, with set design by Resident Scenic Designer Charles Steckler, stage lighting by Technical Director/Lighting Designer Robert Bovard and costumes by Costume Designer Brittney Belz.
There will be live music directed by guest artist Andy Iorio on piano, accompanied by faculty artist Harry Pellegrin on guitar.
“The concert is also built upon world music, one of my favorite genres,” said Moutillet. “We use a variety of beats for a global fusion of sounds, everything from Peter Gabriel to Dead Can Dance.”
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. each evening, with a 2 p.m. matinée on Saturday, March 9. Tickets are on sale at the Yulman Theater Box Office for $7 with a student ID and $10 for the general public. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, call (518) 388-6545.