ODU Dance Resident Focuses on Purpose, Community and Care
April 11, 2019
By Krystle Backs
When guest artist Duane Cyrus worked with students in Old Dominion University's Dance Program, he sought to choreograph a piece that embodied three key themes: purpose, community and care.
Cyrus added that part of the motivation stems from love. "It also equals respect," he said.
The work by Cyrus, a performing and creative artist who is a professor at the University of North Carolina Greensboro the director of the Theatre of Movement arts collective, will be among those presented at the University Dance Theatre Spring Concert, scheduled for April 17-20 at the University Theatre.
Marilyn Marloff, professor of dance and ODU's chief departmental advisor for dance majors and minors, said guest artists are brought to campus to create a piece for the students for the concert. They are usually derived from experiences and emotions of the resident or could be based on a previously choreographed work. Cyrus' pieces are informed by his research into Black American and Caribbean histories and imagery.
Typically, there are about 10 dances per concert featuring original choreography in a variety of styles, such as modern dance, jazz, hip hop and contemporary ballet, performed by ODU students. Each dance lasts 7-10 minutes.
Cyrus' most recent work is "Hero Complexities," which highlights the heroic actions of Caribbean-American Coast Guardsman Charles W. David Jr. while on board the USCGC Comanche during World War II. The work explores the complex issues connected to black men in America.
Cyrus said he does not aim to elicit a specific emotion from audiences.
"I know I need to voice it ... and hopefully it means something, hopefully some part of my intention gets across," he said.
He has an upcoming piece titled "Resistance Project," which highlights the empowerment of black women.
Cyrus uses a teaching framework he calls "Very Important Person in the Arts." He feels it also stands for vision, investigation, planning, implementation and assessment. It doesn't only apply to dance and theatre majors.
"Have experiences outside your coursework, experience something different," he said. "Don't only be locked into your study. Live in the world."
Other choreographers for the Spring Concert include Marloff and and ODU professors Megan Thompson, James Morrow, Katie Iacono and Natalia Schradle. Tickets are available at this link. Educational group discounts may be available; contact Helene Clehr at hclehr@odu.edu for details.
