Student Choreography Showcase celebrates the spring season through dance

salvetoday Posted On April 16, 2024
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Fifteen dance majors will present new works April 18-20 at the Casino Theatre in “Come Rain or Come Shine,” directed by Lindsay Guarino, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music, Theater and Dance, with co-direction by dance major Julia Paulo. Adjunct professor Carlos R. A. Jones offered mentorship to the student artists through their artistic processes.

“Come Rain or Come Shine” celebrates spring – a time when the energy shifts on campus, when a year of learning and growth is on full display.

In addition to Paulo, student choreographers presenting work in the performances include Livia Armstrong, Aleah Begg, Ashley Blake, Morgan Dubay, Sara Green, Trinity Leite, Anna Mangino, Elisabeth Muller, Hannah Rezendes, Mackenzie Robichaud, Jala Settles, Ava Siconolfi, Taylor Steeves and Natalia Taborga.

Paulo stepped into the role of co-director due to an injury that kept her from dancing. “As a dancer and choreographer, I have never been on the production side of a performance,” she said. “This experience has been very eye-opening, as I was unaware of how much work actually goes into directing a show. Working with Lindsay on directing this show has taught me so much and has opened up another possible career avenue for me.”

The concept for “My Treasure,” choreographed by Dubay, came after studying at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) in Calgary, Alberta, last summer. She heard the song “Sunday” by To Be Continued Brass Band during class and was inspired.

“This trip was so pivotal for me, and I still often think about how vital it was during my undergraduate studies,” she said. “Every time I would play it, not only was I reminded of the time spent in Calgary, but I would see bright colors, feel the warmth from the sun, and was overwhelmed with jazz and joy. This piece is a snapshot of that point in time for me, a time when I surrendered to jazz and trusted the journey.”

Settles also found her music inspiration at DJD during a study abroad experience last March. She feels that music is the most important part of her choreographic process and draws inspiration from her dancers. “My new work ‘Get Buck’ highlights the inner joy that people share through movement in connection to each other,” she said.