During their last semester as undergraduate dance majors at Wayne State University, Kara Brody, Christina Chammas, Lydia DiIorio, Maria Idunate, Ashley Kalchick Alexa Kornas, Ashlee Merritt and Stephanie Napiorkowski created full-length works to present during a one-night only formal performance. Join them at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, at the Allesee Dance Theatre, located inside Old Main.
Two of the works are previously performed pieces that have been re-imagined with a new cast to provide an opportunity for expansion and a fresh take on the work for choreographers Brody and Chammas.
Brody's piece, "Wait for Weight," describes forces that affect the moving body and creates a highly energetic atmosphere complemented by intriguing shapes and spatial patterns. Chammas uses the ideas of passing time, memory and maturity as explorations of self-purpose in "You, Me, and the Sky."
Merritt and DiIorio both present dance pieces on film, offering different perspectives on movement, sound and image. Merritt's work "thespacebetween" explores the act of filling a void, and illustrates personal events that lead to searching, change and realization. Dilorio's "under the flyway" uses the camera lens to portray the essence of daydreaming and blur the lines between the states of unconsciousness and reality.
The remaining four works are the first full-length pieces by Napiorkowski, Kornas, Kalchick and Idunate.
Personal experiences of fear and reactions to the paranormal inspired Napiorkowski's "Uneasy Sensation." Kornas uses intricate, contrasting movement and shifting structure to showcase ideas of authenticity within a world of conformity. Kalchick's work addresses the differences between being alone and being lonely, and draws inspiration from writer Eckhart Tolle about being able to find satisfaction within oneself rather than giving value to material objects. Finally, Idunate's "The Separate Directions All Share," examines the individual within a group, utilizing poetry and vocalizations to draw attention to the small interactions in our daily lives that may be more significant than we realize.
Tickets are $5 and are available by calling 313-577- 2972, online at wsushows.com or at the Hilberry Theatre box office.