MOVE! is the theme of the annual Dance Showcase at Pittsburg State University, and the list of more than 80 performers and their approach supports that theme perfectly.
It will be held on April 10 in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer, and is free and open to the public.
This year's show has 28 dance numbers including Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and more, with solos, duets, trios, small group, and large group numbers.
“The students are on various dance journeys with some being in their first dance class this semester and others with years of training,” said Professor Janice Jewett. “We are so excited to provide this opportunity for the students to perform and showcase their work!”
The show is produced by the minor in Dance, with dance faculty members Jewett, Elizabeth Smith, and Darcie Shultz serving as its directors.
The performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the Linda & Lee Scott Performance Hall.
Prior to the performances, a symposium featuring research and informative displays created by students and related to dance topics will be held starting at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby; it is interactive and open to the public.
Among the diverse line-up of performances:
- “Luck Be a Lady,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by students from Musical Theatre Dance Class.
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- “How Will I Know,” choreographed and performed by Halee Harpenau, a senior in Recreation Services, Sport, and Hospitality Management and a Dance minor.
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- “Art Moves: Sunday in the Park,” choreographed by Darcie Shultz and performed by students from Ballet Class.
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- “Dynamite,” choreographed by Maggie Stephens and performed by Carissa Marrone, a senior Nursing major.
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- “Gimme,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by students from Advanced Jazz Class.
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- “Indian Beat,” choreographed and performed by Sai Deep Jangam, a graduate student in Technology.
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- “Begin Again,” choreographed and performed by Haylee Caskey, a freshman in Elementary Education and a Dance minor.
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- “Mirror,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by the PSU Dance Team –– a piece they performed at the UDA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida.
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- “Ready for It?” choreographed by Kassy Lewis and performed by the PSU Dance Club, many of whom are performing for their first time.
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- “Delta,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by students from Contemporary Dance Class.
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- “Move to the Music,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by students from Hip Hop Class.
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- “Goliath,” choreographed by Elizabeth Smith and performed by students from Advanced Jazz, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre Dance Class.
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- And more!
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Research presentations include such topics as:
- The Benefits of Dancing for Older Adults
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- Dancing Through Foster Care
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- Cognitive Benefits of Dance
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- Injury Prevention for Dancers
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- And more!
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Learn more about the Dance Minor
Photos by Hunter Thompson
