What: New Choreographers Concert: Movement in Meaning, featuring original dance works by senior choreography students from the Department of Dance and Theatre at the University of North Texas. Artistic director is dance professor Shelley Cushman.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 (Friday-Saturday) and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 (Sunday)
Where: University Theatre, Radio Television Film and Performing Arts Building
Cost: Tickets cost $5. Audience members can purchase tickets at the box office, which is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and one hour before each performance at the Radio Television Film and Performing Arts Building. For more information, call 940-565-2428, email dat-boxoffice@unt.edu or visit the Department of Dance and Theatre online.
Parking: Due to recent changes in parking regulations, patrons are encouraged to park in the parking garage in the Union Circle. Please see the Transportation website for more information.
DENTON (UNT), Texas – Senior dance majors at the University of North Texas will present original dances with thought-provoking themes at the New Choreographers Concert.
The concert, presented by the Department of Dance and Theatre, will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 (Friday-Saturday) and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 (Sunday) at the University Theatre, Radio Television Film and Performing Arts Building.
Eight seniors will perform their original works, which is part of the senior capstone course for dance majors.
“They will be presenting artistic dance making through meaningful movement taking the audience on a journey that goes deeper than just steps,” said dance professor Shelley Cushman, the show’s artistic director is dance professor.
Senior dance major Arie Jung created the modern dance piece, “Pierced,” inspired by personal stories recounted by clients at Denton Freedom House, a ministry designed for men who face addiction. The subjects suffered from addictions so serious that it nearly led to death. She heard their stories when she visited Zera Coffee, where the men are volunteers.
“Now they’re so full of joy and full of life,” she said “Their flip is so incredible. It’s not an easy journey but it’s so inspiring.”
The concert fits in with Jung’s career goal to be a choreographer and tell people’s stories.
“I want to use dance and this thing I’ve done since the age of 2 to change lives,” she said. "I want my dancing and choreography to make people think and believe they’re not alone.”
Watch a video preview of “Pierced” here: https://youtu.be/PE7NqG3UAXs.
Senior dance major Bianca Nuñez began choreographing the movements in her modern dance, called “Undesired Shadows,” then focusing on the concept. She realized her dance is about a person who doesn’t want to be a part of society’s norm – something she can relate to.
“I’m a very artsy person,” said Nuñez, who wants to be a performer for a major dance company after graduation. “I like dying my hair crazy colors. I have tattoos. So I don’t want to be like what the norm is.”
After spending 12 weeks on rehearsals with undergraduate students, Nuñez can’t wait to see what the final piece looks like.
“It’s interesting to see what you end up with and fall in love with it,” she said.