'Fall for Dance' makes return to River Campus next week

This year's "Fall for Dance" program will feature a variety of dance styles, from classical ballet to modern, tap and jazz to hip-hop.

(Glenn Landberg)

"Because of the diversity of the concert, it doesn't matter who you are, you will find a piece you'll fall in love with and go crazy over," said Kenneth Stilson, chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance.

"Fall for Dance," which features original choreography by students, faculty and guest artists, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 22 in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus.

Students rehearse five days a week, two hours a night for 13 weeks of the semester in preparation for the performance, said Hilary Peterson, assistant professor of dance at Southeast and artistic coordinator for "Fall for Dance."

"It is an intensive rehearsal period that prepares students for the rigors of performance as well as life post-graduation," she said. "The students work extremely hard to flawlessly execute the choreography they are given and to communicate the ideas of the choreographer to the audience."

This year's concert will feature a contemporary ballet choreographed by guest artist Elizabeth George from the University of Arizona.

"Her work is really beautiful. I think the audiences will really enjoy the simplicity of the movement and how flowy it is. It will have a nice sense of community and flow between the dancers on stage," Peterson said.

Alyssa Alger

There also will be a pointe piece -- ballet done with pointe shoes that allow the dancers to stand on the tips of their toes -- by new Southeast faculty member Alyssa Alger.

"The pointe piece will meld the contemporary and classical together," Peterson said. "[Alger] is a really nice choreographer. We're really happy to have the addition of more ballet and pointe work."

"Just because you saw 'Fall for Dance' last year doesn't mean you've seen this already," Stilson said. "You don't see the same materials. Each year, it's a new production that is highly original and unique from any other or past concert."

Peterson added, "'Fall for Dance' is a fantastic way to see cutting-edge dance without having to travel to St. Louis or Memphis."

Tickets are $18 and may be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, by calling (573) 651-2265 or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.