Students will take to the Yulman Theater stage for five performances in this year’s Winter Dance Concert, thrilled to be in front of a live audience after last year’s outdoor film projection in the arts courtyard.
Performances will be held Wednesday, March 2, through Friday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m., with a Saturday matinée at 2 p.m.
“This represents a move toward normalcy in these pandemic times,” says Miryam Moutillet, director of the Dance Program and concert. “Reconnecting with the stage offers a space to heal and an opportunity to show power through hope and courage as we move forward in a changing world.”
Set to an eclectic array of instrumental music, “Outbrave” features a cast of 23 dancers in 15 pieces.
Their motions and configurations express “the twists and turns of our current reality,” Moutillet said. “Each piece serves the theme of the show in accordance with our present time, which is one of isolation, frustration, reaching out and togetherness.”
The Winter Dance Concert has been a staple of the dance program since 2005. The 2021 concert was the only time it was presented outside the theater. Now, back on the stage, students are finding deep satisfaction in being part of this longstanding College tradition.
“Having the ability to be a part of something so special within my College's history is very meaningful to me,” said Isabella Russell ’23, one of five student choreographers. “The Winter Dance Concert gives me an outlet in which I can structure my creative thoughts and watch as they come alive.”
Commenting on the rigors of creating a performance piece in a pandemic climate, Leigh Cavanaugh ’22 said, “In times of turmoil, staying true to personal morals and values can be difficult. Being fiercely courageous means facing challenges head on as your truest self.”
Other dance minors who created pieces include Lilly Kurker ’22, Mary Melo ’22 and Michele Michielli ’22.
Ten of the works were choreographed by Moutillet and faculty member Laurie Zabele Cawley. Costumes are by Brittney Belz, scenery by Andrew Mannion and lighting by Drew Bodd.
“From a monochromatic beginning, the stage transforms into a colorful environment that displays the promises of an evolving future,” Moutillet says.
Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite. The cost is $5 for those with a Union ID and for senior citizens, and $15 for the general public.
All audience members will be required to follow Union College mask and vaccination protocols. This means wearing surgical or N95, KN95 or KF94 masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
For more information, call the Yulman Box Office at (518) 388-6545.