Evening of Dance
Russell H. Miller Theatre, FAC
April 21-24, 2022
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm
Sunday Matinee, 2pm
On Demand: May 9-14, 2022
The Western Kentucky University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues to thrive on the hill as the only institution in Kentucky accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. You can see the WKU Dance Program in action as they cap off their season with their performance of Evening of Dance, featuring the WKU Dance Company performing an exciting variety of ballet, jazz, modern and tap dance choreography. Audiences will be captivated by beautiful artistry, technical skill and innovative choreography.
This annual concert includes an array of dance styles and genres in a mix of classical and contemporary choreography created by WKU dance faculty and national guest artists. Work included in this year’s concert ranges from an energetic ensemble tap dance set to a remix of “Big Noise from Winnetka” to a contemporary modern group work capturing the transitioning energies of the eight moon phases. Assistant Professor Anna Patsfall has created a 16-minute jazzy ballet set to George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” that explores the mood provoked by some of New York City’s iconic places; from the hustle and bustle of Broadway, to a late evening at one of 52nd Street’s Jazz Clubs, to a stroll through Central Park with a loved one. Another dance, Strong, choreographed by Professor Amanda Clark, was originally created in 2014. This contemporary work reflects on her personal experience with breast cancer and emphasizes the strength found within oneself and the relationships formed throughout such a journey. From light-hearted to serious, soothing to percussive, there is a dance to entertain and mesmerize all audiences.
Two national guest artists have also created choreography for performance through the support of the Mahurin Honors College and Potter College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grants. Cheri Stokes is currently part of the Urban Bush Women (New York City) administrative family, serving as the Associate Producer of Special Projects. In the Spring of 2021, Cheri was the recipient of the Stephen Petrionio Retreat and Restore dance residency. Her choreography and movement style spans the African diaspora, from West African dance forms to Hip-Hop. Within her work, she strives to share an alternative point of view: a black woman whose perspectives sit at the intersections of Hip-Hop and Contemporary forms. The concert’s second guest artist, Nathan Fister, is a WKU Dance Program alumnus. Since graduation his credits include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City, West Side Story at IHI Stage Around Tokyo Japan, Nashville Ballet 2, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and The Lexington Ballet. He has created a Fosse-inspired theatre jazz dance featuring the famous song selection “Sing Sing Sing.” The WKU Dance Company enjoyed having Cheri and Nathan on campus for guest residencies where both artists taught master classes and created and rehearsed their original choreography with the dancers.
The WKU Dance Company, the resident dance ensemble of the Department of Theatre & Dance, is comprised of 32 dance majors and minors. Faculty and students began working on this concert in January and view it as the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and dedication. The concert length is approximately 90 minutes. Performances will occur in Russell Miller Theatre within the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center on the WKU Bowling Green campus. Performances run April 21-24, 2022, at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased in advance at wku.showare.com or at the door.
High school students interested in the WKU Dance Program are invited to participate in the Dance Program’s Spring Dance Day, held on Sunday, April 24th. We are also accepting applications for our 2022 WKU Summer Dance Intensive. The WKU Summer Dance Intensive is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers (grades 9-12) as a unique opportunity to explore college-level dance and the WKU experience. Following the mission of the WKU Dance Program, students will be challenged as “thinking artists,” with a variety of classes to enhance their technical and artistic skills. Program of study will include daily ballet, jazz and modern dance technique classes along with coursework including pointe, tap, dance improvisation, dance history and world dance forms. Daily discussions and events will highlight special interest topics designed to help prepare and inspire the pre-professional dancer. The week-long intensive will culminate in a performance featuring university faculty and guest artist choreography. This summer’s guest artists will be hip-hop artist Koko French of Nashville, TN, and Bharatanatyam artist and WKU alumna Shyama Iyer. For more information about the Dance Program and events, visit https://www.wku.edu/theatre-and-dance/.
Ticket Information:
April 21-24, 2022
Russell H. Miller Theatre, FACThursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm CST
Sunday at 2pmAdults $16
Students/Seniors (62+) $12
Wku.showare.com
Digital Concert On Demand:
May 9-14, 2022
On Demand Ticket: $12 + fee
TICKETS FOR DIGITAL CONCERT MUST BE PURCHASED HERE:
-submitted by WKU Department of Theatre and Dance
