Story by Ashlee Larrison
Photos by Ralph Freso
GCU News Bureau
What could make a week full of memorable events even better?
The Spring Student Spotlight Dance Concert, of course.
As alumni, families and friends make their long-awaited return to the Grand Canyon University campus, the College of Arts and Media’s Dance Department will wrap up this semester’s culmination of student choreography for all to see.
The concert first was staged Thursday night and returns to Thunderground at 7:30 Friday. Director of Dance Bekki Price says that it’s the perfect way for audiences to catch a glimpse of the rising talent emerging from the program.
“The students work so hard all semester, and this is something that they do on top of their schoolwork and attending classes,” she said. “It’s incredible what they put together and the way they’re able to express themselves and share their story using movement.”
The concert features seven live pieces of choreography and three films. The department began showcasing dance films at the concert during the pandemic and has kept the option open to students.
Price is continually amazed with the unique and creative ways students use the medium.
“I’m really excited about all the films that are being included,” Price said. “It’s not just that students are making dance films, but the quality of these dance films is super impressive.”
Dance films are perfect for senior Kendall Smith, pursuing a dual degree in dance and film.
In “Over the VOTSOD (Valley of the Shadow of Death),” Smith’s multitude of talents are on display as she and her video team incorporate CGI and visual effects.
“We decided to go big,” Smith said.
In addition to presenting her film at the concert, Smith is also the production’s stage manager.
“It a little stressful, but it’s a lot of fun to see the show come together,” she said. “As a dance student, I’m very grateful that we have a student show. It’s just very accessible, and it’s been a really fun environment.”
Senior Zoë Hunter's film, “Isaiah 55,” is a collaboration with Canyon Worship artist Amanda Riffe and choreographed around Riffe’s song of the same name.
Hunter said she chose to present her work through film because it allows more creative freedom.
“Dance films are really interesting in that you have the creativity to have unique perspectives that you don’t get to see when you’re looking at a piece live,” she said. “Having the ability to creatively edit, it is also exciting.”
Junior Hailey Boggs, who submitted the concert's final film, “Vol. 22,” said this performance has given her the opportunity to experience both the film and live aspect of the concert since she also performs in multiple live pieces.
As dance films continue to grow in popularity among students, so do opportunities for recognition. Boggs’ film was selected to be shown at the Arizona Drive-in Dance Film Festival earlier in the semester.
“It was just a cool experience to have my film shown in a real-life setting and to be recognized,” she said.
As for the Student Spotlight Concert, Boggs hopes audiences will come out to enjoy the free art.
“The art of music or dance itself is just soothing for any human being,” she said, “It’s free art, it’s so amazing and I feel the students are so talented and feel like people are going to be surprised with what the Dance Department has to show.”
Said Price, “It’s an incredible opportunity to find out different ways to hear people’s story. This Family Weekend, I encourage students to come bring their families and check out what’s going on in Thunderground.”
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Student pieces
NO TWO WORDS
Choreographed by: Sammi Lopresti
Performed by: Hailey Boggs, Cait Deely, Jordan
Garrison, Joslyn Monthei, Emma Watson
Music: “Good Job - He was a Beautiful Player”
by J.K. Simmons, “Drum & Drone” by Justin Hurwitz,
“No Two Words” by Justin Hurwitz and Nicholas Britell
JUST LET GO ALREADY
Choreographed by: Kylie Silves
Performed by: Kiera Boatman, Jaeda Bozich, Josie
Fillmore, Joslyn Monthei
Music: “Reset” by Christophe Filippe
NOW AND NOT YET
Choreographed and performed by: Megan Neese
Music: “Le Sacre” by Christophe Filippi
SELF PORTRAIT
Choreographed by: Jenna LaPlante
Performed by: Olivia Boatright, Kenzie Brandon,
Mikaela Lures, Madeline Lynch, Cortnee Porras, Sarah
Ross, Jazmin Runnels, Kylie Silves, Belle Winsor
Music: “Journey” by Looptrick
ISAIAH 55 (DANCE FILM)
Choreographed by: Zoë E. Hunter
Performed by: Davin Brown (camera),
Zebastyn Getrost (camera), Zoë E. Hunter (dancer),
Amanda Riffe (singer)
Music: “Isaiah 55” by Amanda Riffe
OVER THE VOTSOD (DANCE FILM)
Choreographed by: Kendall Smith
Performed by: Cait Deely, Jenna LaPlante,
Sammi Lopresti, Jonathan Montoya Gerardo, Nayeli
Pereyda Vasquez, Sheryl Powell, Abi Rogalski, Leah
Ruetz, Jazmin Runnels, Kendall Smith, Jael Vickery,
Belle Winsor
Director: Rerun Knutson
Cinematographer: Sean Pedrick
Visual Effects Director: Paolo Martinez
Music: “Re Installation” by Joseph Beg,
“The Hydrograph” by Power Druid
VOL. 22 (DANCE FILM)
Choreographed and performed by: Hailey Boggs
Filmed by: Macenzie Bishop
Music: “Letters of A Traveler” by Ólafur Arnalds
and Alice Sara Ott, “Overthinking Will Kill Your Reality”
by Alan Watts
BLIGHT SIDED
Choreographed by: Trinity Gracia
Performed by: Kiera Boatman, Cait Deely, Destiny
Magee, Megan Neese, Joy Palmer, Cortnee Porras,
Kylie Silves, Emma Watson
Music: “Kyklopas” by K. BHTA, Kornelios Selamsis,
ARTéfacts Ensemble
AFFECTIVE SCIENCE
Choreographed by: Abi Rogalski
Performed by: Anna Alber, Josie Fillmore, Dominique
Merrell, Joslyn Monthei, Taylin Muth, Abi Rogalski
Music: “I Love You” by Riopy
LAST LATIN
Choreographed by: Elijah Samuél Figueroa
Performed by: Elijah Samuél Figueroa, Megan Neese,
Joy Palmer, Emma Watson, Hailey Boggs, Cait Deely,
Jordan Garrison
Music: Live It Up” by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull
Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or [email protected].
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Related content:
GCU Today: Dance concerts return to Ethington this weekend
GCU Today: Students’ dance concert returns to indoor setting
