University Fall Dance Concert to Run Nov. 16-19

November 07, 2016

Dancers rehearse for the 2016 University Dance Theatre Fall Concert

The Old Dominion University dance program will present its annual University Dance Theatre Fall Concert November 16-19 at the University Theater.

The concert will include exciting new pieces by five local choreographers, including guest artist Janelle Spruill of Todd Rosenlieb Dance. Emerging student choreographers will also show work on the program.

Performances, that are open to the public, will be held Nov. 16-18 at 8:00 p.m. and November 19 at 2:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the theater on Hampton Boulevard and 47th Street

Guest Artist Janelle Spruill is known for her powerful and inventive repertoire and ability to push dancers to new levels. Her new piece "Perpetual Motion" exemplifies this by testing the endurance of all eight dancers. Set to music by the group Piano Interrupted, the dancers remain on-stage moving relentlessly throughout the piece.

Adjunct professor Sheena Jeffers will present her new work "The Hunt" which is inspired by the 1924 American novel "The Most Dangerous Game." The novel challenges the reader to think of the hunt as a game that both the hunter and the hunted enjoy, experience, plan and pursue. Jeffers' piece explores the idea of a calculated partnership in which each is incentivized on whether the other partner lives through the relationship.

"Wide Mooring," choreographed by adjunct professor Mary Ann Laverty, is a modern adaptation of a Philippine dance called "Ka Singkil" that is performed to traditional music. It is performed by eight dancers and explores relationships and an array of emotions.

Adjunct professors Joni Petre-Scholz and Katie Iacono will also each present new works during the program. Iacono's newest piece tries to define a personal connection to a military funeral. A ceremonial flag-folding and 21-gun salute are explored through a contemporary lens of movement. Petre-Scholz will premiere a collaborative work set to the music of Erik Satie and Leonard Cohen entitled "Connected."

The concert also includes works by selected ODU dance students.

Tickets are $15 for students and $20 general admission. Tickets are available online at www.oduartstix.com, at the Arts and Letters Box Office in the University Theater, by phone at 683-5305, and at the door. For more information, call 683-3002.