Fall Studio 115 Dance Concert set for Dec. 8-10

The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Theatre and Dance will present the fall Studio 115 Dance Concert, Dec. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Theatre and Dance Building. This concert will feature the boldly creative works of six student choreographers and associate department chair Stacy Reischman Fletcher.

Each work is especially crafted for the intimate space, allowing the audience to have an up-close view of the dancers and get a glimpse into seven unique and creative takes on dance making.

Featured in the concert is a whimsically mysterious duet, an abstracted reflection of the events of 9/11, and two trios that showcase the skillful musicality of the performers. Two large group dances are on the program. In one, dancers carry, transport and sit upon vintage suitcases as they go on a journey that invites the audience in. The final dance is a humorous where featuring the performers donning large reading glasses and exploring their wacky sides.  

Reischman Fletcher's latest work, Les Grande Ruse was created to transform the performance environment through the combination of dramatic movement and costuming. This piece is a solo that answers the question: Are people what they seem? She was inspired by historical fiction and science fiction miniseries in researching this dance, which is performed brilliantly by dance faculty member, Elizabeth Lentz. 

“The piece is haunting and works in such a close environment with the audience,” Lentz said. “It makes you really see the human qualities of this character that become really distorted.” 

A free post-concert discussion with the choreographers and performers will be held Thursday, Dec. 8. General admission is $5 and can be purchased at the door. Seating is limited. For more information about the dance program at Southern Miss, visit http://www.usm.edu/theatre/dance.php