������Ƶapp

Featuring a mixed repertoire of classical and contemporary works, the ������Ƶapp Dancers present “Grace and Gravity” at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center Nov. 11-20.

From an effervescent display of musical prowess to a world premiere, the concert features two faculty-choreographed dances, one restaging of a classical repertoire, and three pieces by guest choreographer Sidra Bell. In all, the program features the talents of 42 dancers who defy as well as embrace gravity.

The production opens with “Pas de Quatre,” a jewel in the canon of Romantic Era ballets. An 1845 showcase for the most adored ballerinas of the day, this interpretation features Jules Perrot’s original choreography while offering a fresh look through interpretation and costuming.

The story focuses on four women, all linked by romantic liaisons with Perrot, explained Assistant Professor of Dance Jennifer McNamara, who coaches the dancers to showcase their technique and galvanize their artistic interpretation.

“I’ve also made the decision to costume the dancers in more sleek, contemporary dresses rather than using the traditional voluminous tutus because I wanted to create a visual disruption of the stereotypes often associated with this iconic work in the Romantic canon,” she noted.

With three different casts of four dancers and featuring on piano Richard DiFiore, the principal pianist and music director for the ������Ƶapp University Department of Dance, dancers of “Pas de Quatre” embrace the brilliant, bravura, technically demanding choreography and elicit a warm camaraderie among friends.

In addition, the program includes three pieces choreographed by internationally renowned guest artist Sidra Bell, whose work reveals aspects of the human condition through a distinctly female lens. Bell's creations have been described as, “brainy, exuberant, and audacious.” (San Francisco Chronicle).

Bell’s process occurred throughout the fall through a combination of Zoom meetings, shared recordings and notes, and an in-person residency overseen by Mio Ishikawa, a company dancer with Sidra Bell Dance New York.  Seventeen ������Ƶapp students were selected by audition with final casting involving three rotating soloists in “Random Stars,” and three duets alternatively performing “Savage Birds.”

Next on the program is a world premiere by Mark Santillano. “Klecks: a Rorschach Reverie” is an abstract work loosely inspired by the inkblot creations of Hermann Rorschach. The term “klecks” is a German word for inkblot, and reportedly Rorschach’s childhood nickname. Set to an original sound score by Santillano, this piece imagines the blots as living beings morphing from one image to another.

The grand finale choreographed by Department of Dance Chair Noelle Partusch is “Frizzante” from “Palladio: Presto” by Karl Jenkins, a piece about bubbles. “Whether soda or champagne, bubbles are fascinating, and I thought I’d personify them, look at them from different perspectives, and make them dance,” Partusch said.

With fast footwork and precision group choreography, “Frizzante” takes the viewer on a seemingly simple journey that will leave them desiring their favorite carbonated beverage.

Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12, and Nov. 18-19, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20, at 2 p.m.

Ticket details and reservations can be found on the .

Prices are:
Adults: $15
Seniors: $10
Students: $7.50
Youth: $5
������Ƶapp Students: $5

PHOTO: Practicing a piece called “Random Stars” by Sidra Bell are ������Ƶapp dancers Kaitlyn Turner-Leftwich, at front, and Ainsley Dunning. (Credit Mark Santillano)