Annual Student Choreographers’ Concert Features Variety of Dances
Alma College students will bring an eclectic selection of dances to the annual Student Choreographers’ Concert.
Tickets are free for the dance concerts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 and
3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 in the Remick Heritage Center Dance Studio.
Because seating is limited to 125, reservations are required. Call
(989) 463-7304 for ticket reservations.
Columbus, Ohio, senior Claire Hammer, artistic director of this year’s
production, said the experience doubles as her senior thesis project.
“It’s a lot of fun to work on the other side of the job,” said Hammer.
“It’s been really neat to see how the whole show comes together.”
The program will feature six dances: “Numb,” choreographed by Sumner
sophomore Tasha Brecht; “Gracia” by Granville, Ohio, senior Jane
MacDonald and Hammer; “Volcanoe” by Sylvan Lake sophomore Diana Walton;
“A Desperate Situation” by Marquette sophomore Tricia Wales; “Final
Goodbye” by Belleair Bluff, Fla., sophomore Allison Barnhart; and
“Grace” by Hammer.
Students not only choreograph the dances but also take care of every
aspect of the show from making posters to notifying the box office and
arranging rehearsal schedules.
Each of the 25 members of the Alma College Dance Company has a role to play in the show.
“The students are committed, it takes a lot of energy, and it’s a time
for them to express themselves,” said Carol Fike, associate professor
of theatre and dance.
Hammer says it’s a big challenge to coordinate all the little details
and fit them together. The students start rehearsing in September.
Theatre students also contribute to the program by designing the
lighting for the show.
The dances range from jazz to point to modern. Fike, along with Tom
Morris, associate professor of theatre and dance, will review the
performances. Particularly strong pieces will be included in the spring
show.
The idea for a student choreographers’ concert began about 10 years ago
when the students approached the faculty and asked to put on a show.
“That’s a wonderful monument to the dedication of the students,” Fike
said. “It came from the student’s desire to do more. Because it comes
from them, it has a certain spirit that screams of student involvement.”
Posted: Mon, January 15th, 2007 at 1:05PM
