Students from the department of communication studies, dance and theatre will perform an inspired collection of various dance genres this Friday and Saturday in O’Laughlin Auditorium.
Laurie Lowry, professor of dance and theatre and choreographer for the performance, said the performance will encompass modern dance, jazz, ballet and Baroque. The dances were also choreographed by professor Michele Kriner, alumna Hannah Fischer and students Anna Kiely, Paxston Koehl and Jing Zhu.
“This performance is a collection of diverse style and themes,” Lowry said. “The performance includes historical dance from the courts of Europe, contemporary ballet, various modern dance styles and a surprise that will bring a smile and thoughtful consideration to every viewer.”
Lowry said students are heavily involved in all stages of the performance. She said the stage manager and assistant managers are students in the department, and other students are part of the dance, theater, back stage crew, lighting, sound and costume design.
According to Lowry, the performance offers students the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
“Students will experience exposure to an artistic creativity that allows contemplative thoughts on life,” Lowry said. “Events that involve students in a creative experience strengthen and enhance exposure to life-changing questions on life experiences.”
Jing Zhu, a junior member of the Dance Workshop Ensemble, which will dance in six pieces of the performance, said she enjoys being a part of the performance because of the interactions she has with other people.
“I love to dance,” Zhu said. “This program offers me the formal dance training and performing opportunities that I need. Also, I enjoy being part of the team and learning from other interesting dancers.”
“The college experience offers opportunities to see and be a part of many artistic and performance-related activities,” Lowry said. “Viewing an artistic event in person opens doors in our minds that help us contemplate life experiences.”
Zhu encouraged students to attend the performance especially because members of the Saint Mary’s community created it.
“This is a chance not only to be refreshed by a variety of dance but also to appreciate fellow students’ creativity,” she said.
The performances will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m in O’Laughlin Auditorium.
