Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program will livestream this semester’s Repertory Dance Company performances, featuring guest artists, three faculty pieces and the theme “Vitality,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 through 26 and 3 p.m. Feb. 27.
“Our concert this year encompasses strength, power and unity throughout each piece,” said Mandi Moore, assistant professor of dance at SFA. “This year’s process has been a true test to our company and the arts to safely create, rehearse and produce a show during a pandemic. We are grateful to our resilient choreographers and dancers for working together to create ‘Vitality.’”
The guest artists for the three performances are Angela Bacarisse, professor of costume design at SFA; Jared Doster, former dancer with Pilobolus Dance; and Keith Haynes, lecturer of critical media practices at University of Colorado Boulder.
Skyler Morgan, a senior dance major from Mount Pleasant who is a Repertory Dance Company member, said bringing this show to life has helped her gain insight into both dancer and choreographer perspectives.
“I have been dancing for about 22 years now, and nothing compares to this dance program,” Morgan said. “Even through COVID, I feel as though I never stopped learning. My experiences with my amazing professors and all the opportunities presented to us by the guest choreographers have put me in such a good headspace to further my career upon my graduation in May.”
The performances will primarily feature modern dance, but the audience also will get to enjoy hip hop, jazz and step dance. Some of the choreography will incorporate multimedia elements and projection, or the ability to project energy outward to the audience. The concerts also will feature historic spoken text and improvisation.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, only the performers’ immediate family members may attend the concerts in person in the HPE Complex, Room 201.
Students, faculty, staff and the public can watch online by making a donation in any amount at sfasu.edu/rdc. Donors will receive an email the week of the performances containing the livestream link. Donations also will be accepted at the door.
“Normally, the revenue we generate from ticket sales funds the next Repertory Dance Company performance,” said Heather Samuelson, dance program co-coordinator and assistant professor in SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. “Because in-person attendance is greatly limited this year, we’re asking the public to help us support the future growth and success of these students.”
For more information, email Samuelson at samuelsoh@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/rdc.