Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program will showcase senior choreographic works during its production of Danceworks: “You”phoria, which premieres at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the HPE Complex Dance Studio, Room 201, on the university’s campus.
Additional showings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16. Admission is free for SFA students. Tickets cost $5 for non-SFA students and children; $8 for faculty, staff and senior citizens; and $10 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
The production will feature seven senior choreographic works focused on the theme “You”phoria, which plays on the idea of pleasure, excitement and the intense feeling of well-being.
Marcus Williams, dance performance and choreography major from Lufkin, said this experience has helped him learn the creative process behind productions.
“The ups and downs in our pieces represent our personal feelings of how we experience ups and downs in life,” Williams said. “Our pieces have a variety of topics, such as love and neurological disorders.”
Danceworks serves as the capstone course for dance seniors. During the summer, seniors research concepts for their works and rehearsals begin on the first day of the semester.
Heather Samuelson, dance program co-coordinator and assistant professor, explained the production teaches students a variety of skills other than choreography. For example, students learn how to cast a show, promote a performance, design lighting, select costumes and edit music.
Modern and contemporary dance are the main styles that will be featured during this production, along with jazz and hip-hop.