Meadows dance division spring concert features mix of ballet, modern and contemporary dance

Spring is here and with it comes dance. Rehearsals for SMU’s Spring Dance Concert began the first week of the semester. This year’s spring show is scheduled for April 5 through April 9. The dancers and choreographers are extremely excited about the show. The time and energy put into building the concert is a result of their passion for dance, explained by Myra Woodruff, chair of the dance department at Meadows School of the Arts.

The concert consists of four total pieces, including Martha Graham’s ensemble work “Steps in the Street.” Danny Buraczeski, visiting artist-in-residence, will premiere a new work created especially for SMU’s Division of Dance. The show will also include “Alraunce” by the major American dance company Pilobolus, as well as a Balanchine ballet entitled “Raymonda Variations.”

One of the founders of Pilobolus, Allison Chase, visited SMU to help stage “Alraune.” Emily and Matt Kent, two Pilobolus members, were coached by Chase for their roles in “Alraune” and helped set the number as well. The three members taught master classes at Meadows. “It was an exciting sharing that our dancers witnessed from creator to performer,” according to Woodruff.

Woodruff prepared a piece for the show entitled “Steps in the Street.” The piece is an excerpt from a larger work called “Chronicle.” The number is by Martha Graham and was originally choreographed in 1936 to the music of Wallingford Riegger. Prior to coming to SMU, Woodruff danced in the Martha Graham Dance Company in New York City.

“Raymonda Variations” is a “lively ballet,” said Woodruff, and opens up opportunity for soloists. Leslie Peck, who staged the piece, performed in Balanchine’s company in the New York City Ballet.

Buraczeski is featuring a new work consisting of 12 men. “It is very rare to see an all men’s piece,” according to Woodruff.

Emily Sears, a junior dance major, explained that “the four total pieces are very different, and I think there will be something for all interests.” Sears is dancing in “Raymonda Variations.” Performers like Sears attend dance class during the day and rehearsals that can last from 6 p.m. to midnight. Needless to say, a lot of hard work and dedication is going into the upcoming concert.

Not all Meadows dancers perform in the show. Each dancer must audition for each piece and be selected in order to dance in the concert. Woodruff points out that the “dancers are investing in these works,” and “they are very professional!”

Sears urges students to go see the show, and keep in mind it “exhibits incredible choreography and outstanding dancers who have been working hard all semester to give a spectacular performance.”

For more information about the upcoming concert, e-mail smudance@smu.edu or call (214) 768-2718.