The 2018 Fredonia Dance Ensemble concert will feature a variety of movement aesthetics ranging from slow, sustained modern dance to upbeat, contemporary hip hop, performed by 28 young artists of the Department of Theatre and Dance.
The Fredonia Dance Ensemble takes the stage on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. in Marvel Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center. The performance is part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series.
Two pieces have been choreographed by guest artists.
“When There Are Alligators in the Bayou You Water Ski Real Good,” by New Jersey-based choreographer Randy James, begins with an introspective solo that evolves into an upbeat, contemporary ensemble work underscored by vibrant Cajun music. Athletic and fun, this piece is designed to engage audience members.
Buffalo-based hip-hop artist James Levy’s “Mindless Shuffle” travels through the playlists of passengers on a long flight, and through the dances that move through their heads while listening. Constantly shifting from each dancer being in their own world to the collective existence of the travelers, “Mindless Shuffle” is described as a “journey of movement and music.”
Four pieces have been choreographed by Theatre and Dance faculty members.
“Breathlessly the Sight” is a collaborative work created by Sam Kenney and her cast of 10 dancers. Set to Ani DiFranco’s spoken word poem “Grand Canyon” and an ambient sound score by Marconi Union, the piece seeks both to recognize how far the feminist movement has come and to illustrate how far it has yet to go.
Paul Mockovak’s piece, “Running-Reflecting-Relaxing,” set to the music of Pat Metheny, is a joyful reflection on life and the myriad connections people make with others through the vast range of human relationships.
Inspired by Ambrose Bierce’s “The Devil’s Dictionary,” a satirical work that originated as a weekly column in 1881, Helen Myers offers a zany piece of dance theater that brings Bierce’s offbeat definitions to life through movement. In addition to the cast of student performers, Theatre and Dance faculty member Dr. James Ivey will make a special appearance as Ambrose Bierce.
“Unburying Certitude,” a work created by Paula J. Peters, is an evocative contemporary work set to Samuel Barber’s haunting “Adagio for Strings.” Through breathtaking movement vocabulary and seemingly effortless weight sharing, the dancers create a stunning series of shifting landscapes of struggle, loss and hope.
There will also be a pre-performance event in the atrium by the Marvel Theatre entrance 15 minutes prior to the start of each concert. Plan to arrive early to be part of this unique experience.
The Faculty Student Association will offer snacks, light hors d’oeuves, beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks at the Atrium Café, which is located by the entrance to Marvel Theatre. Service will begin one hour before curtain time and continue through the end of intermission at each event.
The Fredonia Dance Ensemble is sponsored by Basil Chevy, Buick, Cadillac as part of the 2017-18 Lake Shore Savings Season.
Tickets are available through the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501 (toll free at 1-866-441-4928), online and in the theater lobby one hour prior to each performance.
