Miami University’s Dance Theatre will present its annual Winter Concert on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 4 at 2 PM in Hall Auditorium on the Oxford campus.  Dance Theatre’s eclectic style continues to include elements of many dance forms—from modern to contemporary ballet to jazz.  The concert features music that ranges from Queen, to Lady Gaga, to Philip Glass and Foday Musa Suso to contemporary.

Lana Kay Rosenberg, Company Director, choreographed Why? using images from the Algerian War for independence, as portrayed in Jean Genet’s The Screens.  She juxtaposes movement with the haunting, sounds from the collaboration of the Western and African composers.  Why? portrays redemption through despair.  The dancers, often bonded together in trios where their physical dependence is easily seen—become separate, just as Genet’ looks at nothingness into…nothingness.  Sandra Seefeld, flutist, accompanies the first section of the dance, while moving through the dancers.

Guest Artist and Miami Alum (1985) Dan Weltner choreographed Lite Rock Rehab. Dan and the cast created the piece during his residency at Miami in early September. Then, after the initial 5-day process, Dan returned home to New York City and the dance has continued to evolve, by way of a viral rehearsal process--thanks to YouTube. This theatrical piece highlights a group of women, who are attending a support group meeting in hopes of overcoming their addiction to easy-listening music. It is performed to a musical collage of both hard and soft rock and poses one major question; will this group succeed in learning to head-bang like true rockers, or will they suffer a relapse?

Using the familiar song, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Margaret Donohue Nelson a 2006 Dance Theatre and Miami University alumna and current Research Associate for Miami University’s Division of University Advancement choreographed Dennis sinned, about the irony she found within the song: a man, who at a moment in his life, most likely believes he is committing the most manly and adult like behavior one can—taking another’s life—in the aftermath, reverts back to his childlike ways.  Using abstract movement and baby blankets, Margaret strives to portray the way in which “children” beg for forgiveness and fear reparation.

Guest choreographer Carolann Crittenden, 2010 Miami University alum, choreographed No Escape.  For 5 dancers, it is a reflection on the inner struggle of letting go and how sometimes, for some, it is physically impossible. The dancers are trying to escape from the light while beginning to realize that their attempts to escape are useless. Panicsets in before they are sucked back into the light.  Carolann currently works for Fox Broadcasting.

Kristin Bell, a sophomore Marketing major from Westerville, OH, choreographed Endless Daydream in response to the stress of growing up. The dance, reminiscent of a child’s sillines, reflects the daily thoughts, memories, and dreams the mind may accommodate. The dancers represent the children we were and whom we remember as we grow up. GIVERS’ upbeat instrumentals and dreamy lyrics provide the feeling of innocence and whimsy that children embody everyday.

Caroline Farris, a senior Art History major from Knoxville, TN, last choreographed for the Winter 2010 concert.  Featuring aggressive and distorted movement, Ode to Marilyn takes beauty to an unexpected level, and exposes it in a different light.  What if women acted like contradictions to their appearances? What does beauty look like taken one step too far? These are all questions Ode to Marilyn presents using the music of Derek Vincent Smith.

Jenny Hughes-Wilson has choreographed Timshel (Hebrew for "thou mayest") for two dancers. The piece, set to music by the folk rock group Mumford and Sons, reflects themes in Steinbeck's novel East of Eden. Jenny has a master's degree in social work from the University of Alabama and works at Lighthouse Youth Services in Cincinnati.

Bridgette Rawlins, a senior from Zanesville, OH majoring in Microbiology and Clinical Laboratory Science choreographed Synergy. There are moments in the dance where solos emerge, where the individual is seen, but the dance is stronger and more effective when the 3 dancers dance together. The movement quality, and what can be done in pointe shoes that break the boundaries of what is considered ballet, is explored in the dance. The music, composed by The XX who use electronic, alternative sounds, complements the abstract movement. 

Tickets are free for Miami students at the Miami University box office in the Shriver Center and at the door; $6 in advance and $8 at the door for students/seniors; $10 in advance and $12 at the door for general admission.  There is a TalkBack after the Saturday evening concert.  For ticket information, call 513-529-3200.

Join us!