WCU Dance Company to Turn the Stage into a Mosaic at Annual Spring Concert

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Image via West Chester University.

The West Chester University Dance Company, in cooperation with The College of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Theatre and Dance, will present Mosaic, the annual spring dance concert, at the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre from April 19-21.

Directed by dance professor Gretchen Studlien-Webb, Mosaic incorporates choreography created by faculty, guest artists, and recent alumni of WCU.

Mosaicked, choreographed by Studlien-Webb, brings a physical representation of the word “mosaic” to the stage. Dancers, dressed in colorful costumes interacting with circular, three-dimensional set pieces, become living mosaic tiles.

Diverse music choices include “Down Slow” by Moby, “Adir Adirim” by Balkan Beat Box, and ”Unsquare Dance” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet. These elements work together to create a manifestation of the true definition of “mosaic”: a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole.

Guest artist Javi Padilla’s work this is the city of spare parts explores the search for individuality, strength, and courage in a society that praises conformity. With an all-female cast, the essence of femininity is brought under a different lens pondering on the notion of what it takes to be a “perfect” woman.

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Two recent alumni of the WCU dance program were invited to choreograph for this concert. Akasha Alverez presents Reactions to the Unknown, based on the idea of fight or flight. Mary Weese’s Midnight Melodies is about the importance of “girl power,” shown through an artistic blend of rhythm tap and funky jazz.

Several of the student works examine the nature of humanity, how we grow, and how the actions of one can inspire many. The Butterfly, choreographed by Tatiana J. Greer, represents the evolution of humans as they experience life through trials and tribulations on the journey to finding themselves.

Sydney Brannen’s Blue focuses on interaction and internalization. Once in a while, we experience a joyful liberation from the bonds of the world around them, only to ultimately be dragged back down by the heaviness of the earth.

Braving the Shadows, choreographed by Casey Bricker, exposes the duality of man. Inspired by the tragic Las Vegas shooting of 2017, the piece reminds us of the light that can be found amidst the darkness.

Panic and anxiety are universal experiences that often affect some people deeper than others. [hyper]vigilance, choreographed by senior Elise Alvarez, draws from her own experiences living with anxiety. Her choreography focuses on the intense sensations anxiety and panic bring to the surface.

Ruby Rhoad’s Pieces incorporates an elastic band prop to bring angular dimension to everyday movements. The piece represents a journey from isolation to community, as fragments join together to bring out the best in each other, forming a beautiful design that could not have been created alone.

Choreographed works selected through an audition process also include pieces by C.J. Whitmire, Jenica Narducci, Zoe Weiss, and Hannah Boland, all of whom are students at WCU.

Click here to purchase tickets to Mosaic.

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