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Writer: Lisa Parker
The University of Southern Mississippi Repertory Dance Company will present its Studio 115 Dance Concert Apr. 30 – May 2, featuring the work of six Southern Miss students.
Studio 115 is presented each semester at 7:30 p.m. each evening at the Theatre and Dance Building on the Hattiesburg campus. Opening the spring show will be a piece titled "Project: Human," by junior choreographer Falon Baltzell of Colllinsville. She said her piece explores science fiction aliens and their victims. “[The piece] is inspired by alleged abduction documentaries and seeks to express a person's journey of abduction through gesture movements,” says Baltzell. Junior Laura Moorhouse will present her work "Rooted in Earth, Sky and All That In Between." Originally inspired by the culture, spirit and people of her home country of South Africa, the piece explores percussive and gentle movements reflecting a resilient, connected and celebratory energy in the dancers. This is reinforced by the a cappella harmonies of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "I Am Because We Are," a dance by junior Anjuli Trbuza of West Palm Beach, Fla., follows five different types of personalities in one person and how they work like a puzzle to make a complete person. The acoustic guitar rhythms of the music are also integrated to create a whole picture for the audience. "BELIEF" is choreographed by junior Jessica Hernandez of Hattiesburg and explores the movement between three dancers who try to discover their belief in each other. ‘”The movement material throughout the dance follows the dancers as they learn to rely and trust in each other fully for support,” says Hernandez. “The end of the piece leaves the dancers with the decision between relying on each other or depending on their own selves.” Junior Elizabeth Grunigen of Pascagoula will present "When, What If, Happened," a work that features a cast of four dancers and tells a story about a young couple trying to rekindle their love after some unfortunate happenings. The evening will close with "Force," a dance inspired by the athleticism and power of super human entities and choreographed by junior Kellis McSparrin of Clinton. Four dancers, either through solo movement or group dancing, unite into one powerful “force.” "The dance is filled with intense and commanding movement and music," McSparrin said. "The audience will be on the edge of their seats from beginning to end." The Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company performs annually, presenting original choreography by faculty, students and guest artists. Dancers are selected for the company by audition and perform concerts in a variety of venues both on and off campus. Most often, the works presented will have been newly created during the semester in which they are shown and receive their premiere at Southern Miss. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5 per person, cash only. Shows begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. in Studio 115 of the Theatre and Dance Building on the Hattiesburg campus. For more information, call 601.266.4161.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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