'Spring into Dance' comes to Bedell soon

Some say dance is becoming a lost art. But whatever has been lost can be easily found at Southeast Missouri State's River Campus.

The annual "Spring into Dance" dance concert, coming to Bedell Performance Hall April 12 to 15, will be performed by students in Southeast's Department of Theatre and Dance and continues the tradition of interesting variety and diversity of dance styles.

Students will perform contemporary ballet, modern and jazz dance. The choreography is created by department faculty Philip Edgecombe, Hilary Peterson, artistic coordinator Marc Strauss and auditioned student work.

"All of our dance concerts feature a variety of styles," Peterson said. "It is this variety that audiences enjoy and that keeps the concert fresh and exciting. You never know what will come next."

"'Spring into Dance' will be comprised of nine pieces, and they are all similar in that they are different," Strauss said. "It's always fun to watch these student dancers create their own worlds with dance. Not to sound corny here, but there is something for everyone."

Emily Brand, left, and Laura Roth dance 'Catch Me If You Can,' during rehearsal for 'Spring into Dance,' presented by the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance . The show has performances April 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and April 15 at 2 p.m. at the Donald C. Bedell Perfomance Hall. (ADAM VOGLER)

Strauss said he is choreographing to live music, collaborating with violinist Brandon Christensen from the Department of Music and several of his students on Johann Sebastian Bach's Double Violin Concerto in D Minor. However, Strauss points out that this year, classical appealed to all three faculty choreographers.

"Although it's not a strict theme, we were all drawn to classical pieces. It's the first time that's happened in the same year," Strauss said. "Some of the student works are more contemporary. And, although not every piece has a deep meaning, some are very much rooted in intellectualism."

Peterson will present "a comedic piece based on the many ways one can find him or herself trapped. It will explore the funny side of sticky situations in which a person is unable to escape."

Other performances include student choreographer Amanda Beckham's "Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold" featuring the Black Keys' hit "Your Touch" from the "Zombieland" soundtrack. Another movie soundtrack, "Little Miss Sunshine," was used by student choreographer Hannah Martin in her piece "Catch Me If You Can."

The department puts on a similar production, "Fall for Dance," performed every December.

Laura Roth dances 'Catch Me If You Can,' during rehearsal for 'Spring into Dance,' presented by the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance . The show has performances April 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and April 15 at 2 p.m. at the Donald C. Bedell Perfomance Hall. (ADAM VOGLER)

"Each dance concert is different from the one previous because almost all of the work presented is brand new," Peterson said. "We do have certain pieces in repertory that we might reset from time to time. However, most of what audiences will see are pieces that have been created that semester. Because of this, each concert has its own vibe and identity."

"I expect it to be a big hit as usual because of the uniqueness of the show," Strauss said. "I look forward to it being a show several people will find interesting. Even the performers have yet to see everyone else's material, and this is our chance to put everything on for the community and each other on the beautiful big stage."

"Spring Into Dance 2012" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 12 to 14, and 2:30 p.m. April 15. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the River Campus box office by calling 651-2265, or online at www.rivercampusevents.com.

jsamons@semissourian.com

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