Students Address Big Issues in 'Movers and Shakers' Choreography
Buffalo State student choreographers convey such issues as gun violence, gender equality, and identity in seven modern dance pieces that compose Movers and Shakers: Dance as Activism.
The performance will be presented March 8–9 at 8:00 p.m. and March 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in Warren Enters Theatre in Upton Hall.
“I’ve always been civically engaged and wanted students to explore the issues that move them socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically,” said Joy Guarino, associate professor of theater, who devised the theme for this year’s dance performance and is directing the production.
This marks Buffalo State’s first completely student-choreographed show open to the public. Guarino said the choreographers, all seniors, stretched themselves and delivered beautiful, thoughtful dance pieces.
Twenty-two dancers, most of whom are dance minors or arts and letters majors with a dance concentration, are participating in the pieces titled “Persisters,” “Loss of Life: Sunrise to Sunset,” “She,” “The Choice,” “Morbidly Normal,” “Divergence,” and “Common Ground.”
Each dance lasts between six to 10 minutes.
The choreographers, working with faculty mentors, chose their dancers from the auditioned company, as well as their accompanying music and videos, if applicable.
“This was a big step for the students. They had to think of the issues they selected for the dances in universal terms. I didn’t want them to use this project as therapy,” Guarino said. “What they ended up creating are thought-provoking pieces. My hope is that they will inspire members of the audience to work toward their own personal activism.”
General admission tickets cost $15. Students can purchase advance tickets for $8 or tickets the day of the show for $10. Advance tickets are available online, by phone (716) 878-3005, or in person at the Rockwell Hall and Student Union box offices.