Kenyon College’s Hill Theater comes alive with movement and creativity as the Fall Dance Concert showcases the work of four student choreographers and two faculty members. Running from Dec. 12–14, the free nightly performances at 8 p.m. are open to the public and promise an eclectic mix of modern dance, Appalachian folk traditions, and contemporary choreography.
Produced by the Kenyon College Dance, Drama, and Cinema Club, the hour-long program highlights the college’s collaborative and educational dance community. Directed by Professor of Dance Balinda Craig-Quijada and Assistant Professor of Dance Kora Radella, the event provides a platform for students to perform and for advanced students to choreograph and direct original works.
Senior capstone projects by Ella Newgarden, Eve Currens, and Kayla Blythe take center stage, alongside pieces by senior Julia Wartman and junior Rocky Reisz.
“This is my first time choreographing — ever,” said Wartman, who created a contemporary piece set to “L-Over” by U.S. Girls. “Working with dancers from this perspective has taught me a lot about collaboration.”
Reisz’s choreography blends hip-hop, modern, and jazz influences, set to Eric B. & Rakim’s “Don’t Sweat the Technique” and Kool & The Gang’s “Give It Up.” Blythe’s contemporary piece draws on ballet, hip-hop, and improvisation, set to music by Fred Again and Brian Eno. Currens, inspired by her research into Appalachian folk dance, will involve audience participation in her performance.
Faculty contributions include Ellie Escosa Carter’s piece for Newgarden, influenced by German Expressionism and set to Caroline Shaw’s “Valencia.” Craig-Quijada’s quintet uses dancer-created movements inspired by prompts like “touch” and “fall,” creating a quirky, nonsensical world set to desert blues and other eclectic sounds.
Costume design is by Kasey Brown and Mackenzie Malone, with lighting by Rebecca Wolf. A talkback session with the choreographers and performers is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Leach Dining Room of Peirce Hall.
Seating for these free performances will be on a first come, first served basis. For any questions, contact Kris Conant, production and box office manager for the Kenyon Department of Dance, Drama and Film at 740-427-5557.
