Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program and Repertory Dance Company will showcase senior choreographic works and company pieces during its production of Danceworks: Reflections, which premieres at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 in Turner Auditorium on the university’s campus.
A second showing is scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets cost $8 for students, $10 for faculty and staff members and seniors and $12 for general admission and can be purchased at the door.
The production will feature six senior choreographic works and choreography from each dance faculty member. The show consists of nine dances total, each with a different theme.
“Danceworks is something we produce every semester. We are constantly thinking about when we are going to do our pieces, what it’s going to be about and what it will mean to us,” said Katie McAninch, Cypress senior dance education major.
In May, the seniors began researching concepts for their works and held auditions to select dancers. Since the first day of school, seniors have been choreographing and fine tuning their pieces. SFA seniors must present a choreographed piece in the show as partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Science in dance.
Modern dance is the main style that will be featured in the production. However, dance faculty members have created a variety of choreography ranging from intricate footwork to lifts.
Sarah Sanchez, SFA adjunct faculty member, will present a ballet folklorico piece that will light up the stage with a colorful display of costumes and rhythms. Haley Jameson, associate professor of dance, will present choreography depicting social paradigms, and Heather Samuelson, assistant professor of dance, will debut an energetic piece coupling meticulous partner work.
Approximately 50 people are involved in the show, including SFA senior choreographers, the Repertory Dance Company, crew and faculty members, as well as theatre faculty members and students.
“As a choreographer, it’s exciting to see our choreography come alive through our dancers,” Cara Shear, Katy senior dance performance major, said.