The Cal Poly Humboldt School of Dance, Music, and Theatre presents their annual Choreography Showcase, directed by Haylee Wolff and Linda Maxwell. Choreography Showcase is a culmination of the work of dance majors and minors in their second semester of the program's choreography two-class sequence. The dances were created to allow the audience to explore topics of isolation, war, frustration, sisterhood, and celebration. The one hour show, with no intermission, is meant to entertain as well as offer insights into our daily lives. Join us Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the John Van Duzer Theatre at Cal poly Humboldt. Tickets are $10 general, $8 children, and free for Cal Poly Humboldt students with ID. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre
Each dance is a unique story being told by the choreographer. The dances for this year's performance are as follows:
Neon Tracks is a student choreographed piece by Kamar Little that aims to showcase the high energy of Hip-Hop. Conceptually, this follows a group of friends ready for a night out and the idea of going to a party. Additionally, the song featured, Finesse, is in the style of New Jack Swing which focuses on bouncy rhythms musically & bouncier footwork/choreography.
Little Doves, choreographed by student Juliana Sanchez, is a contemporary ballet piece that represents the pain and confusion that children in war go through. This piece features three children in white, signifying innocence, and one war in red, signifying the corruption of war on young children.
The Jack-ettes, choreographed by student and local artist, Nevada Gomes, is a majorette inspired celebration of femininity, confidence, and unapologetic showmanship. Drawing deeply from African and HBCU performance traditions, the piece honors Black culture while embracing expressive movement, synchronized power, and sisterhood. Through vibrant rhythm and embodied pride, The Jack-ettes uplifts the strength, grace, and collective spirit of womanhood.
A Measure of our Steps, is choreographed by student choreographer Juliana Hooson. This is a contemporary jazz piece inspired by the ever evolving dynamics of three sisters-growing,changing, and learning from one another throughout life. Drawing from her own experiences of sisterhood, Hooson aims to capture the nostalgic rhythm of girlhood, moments of laughter and rivalry, tenderness and strength, chaos and care. This piece celebrates the beauty of growing up together, where love is learned, sass is shared, and resiliency blooms. Thank you Allison and Hayley for teaching me courage, so I can be who I am and where I am today.
Music Box, choreographed by student choreographer Jessi Baldwin, is a lyrical piece about the idea of control in toxic relationships. Through her personal experience and the experience of others, Jessi hopes to capture the uncomfortable and scary nature of toxic relationships and how they might turn you against your friends, as well as the freeing feeling when you finally break free from the control. This piece brings attention to toxic relationships and encourages those trapped in one to finally break free from their reins and live their lives free from control.
Lean on Me, choreographed by student choreographer Rowan Nelson-Pyle, is a contemporary/modern duet inspired by Rowan’s experience of surgery recovery, cyclical care, and togetherness through transformation as a transgender person. This piece explores the complex emotions of surgery recovery and needing to rely on other people for help. Fluidity of movement and initiation from different parts of the body are emphasized as the dancers disconnect, reconnect, and push and pull on each other, exploring the many ways that bodies can support and move one another.
Unwinding the Spiral, choreographed by student choreographer Alicia Kiefler, is a contemporary modern piece that explores the societal pressures that easily steer us into a way of life that becomes stressful and dissatisfactory. The emphasis lies on individuality and success while sacrificing activities that bring enjoyment to life. The struggle lies in slowing life down when surrounded by a fast paced lifestyle. Dancers navigate a way to embrace breath and community, leaning away from the robotic and increasing the quality of life.
Changes, choreographed by student choreographer Abbi Ochoa, is a contemporary piece about being in a relationship. As well as how the changes a person goes through can put strain on them. It features a wide range of emotions from happiness to sadness to anger.
Shoulder to Shoulder, choreographed by local student choreographer Kimberley Paulo, is a contemporary ballet piece about navigating loneliness and isolation to finding a sense of belonging in new connections. This piece is inspired by periods of sadness and solitude that most people experience at least once in their lifetime, and finding the courage and support to move forward.
All That Grows, Returns is a contemporary/modern piece by student choreographer Maia Miglio. It is a meditation on the cyclical nature of existence: breath and exhale, creation and decay, birth and return. The story follows a human spirit through his life cycle as he connects and disconnects from the forces that shape him: nature’s cycle and his own restless evolution.
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