By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau
It’s that time again for Grand Canyon University dance students to take to the stage in Thunderground to showcase their work at the Spring Student Spotlight Concert.
The student-led production, which debuted Thursday night and will have its second run at 7:30 p.m. Friday, features 17 pieces of choreography. Faculty adjudicators chose from pieces that were created this semester and will be candidates to represent the College of Fine Arts and Production at the American College Dance Association’s next West Region Conference.
“This semester particularly we had some very strong work submitted, so I think it’s very refined and mature work,” said COFAP’s Program Development Specialist, Bekki Price.
One of the pieces, titled “Next in Line Please,” was choreographed by freshmen Hailey Boggs, Trinity Gracia, Savannah Hale and Megan Neese and will run alongside the work of upperclassmen.
“They haven’t even taken a choreography class yet,” Price said. “We were really impressed with just their mature choreographic vision as freshmen.”
Sophomore Elijah Figueroa has two pieces in the show. “Pariah” was inspired by the religious journey of a person struggling with the conflict between a strict upbringing and human tendencies, and “Speakeasy” showcases different nightclub vibes and celebrates diversity and unity as a nation.
“It’s almost a rebirth of choreography,” Figueroa said. “There’s a lot of new work and there’s new choreographers as well as our favorite artists from the past, But I definitely feel like fresh eyes and rebirth is a good way to describe it.”
Figueroa hopes his work can evoke the audience's emotions. He said “Speakeasy,” in particular, encourages audiences to “join in on the celebration and to just let loose and have fun!”
It is an opportunity to see the talent emerging from the Dance Department and an experience that sparks an appreciation for the arts.
“The show is very diverse, and it shows a lot of different facets to dance,” Price said. “It’s a really fun and unique way to come get exposed to the arts and what we have to offer at GCU.”
IF YOU GO
What: Spring Student Spotlight Dance Concert
Where: Thunderground
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6
Admission: Free (get there early, seating is limited)
Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or [email protected]
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