Spring into Dance will feature Southeast students performing original dance pieces in a variety of styles, including classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz dance. It will debut exciting new choreography by students, faculty and guests artists. This performance celebrates dance, shares the art form of dance with the Cape Girardeau community and promotes contemporary dance in the region.

Inspiration for the original choreography in each concert comes from life itself, said Dr. Kenneth Stilson, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. Sometimes its a particular style or music or poetry or visual art; sometimes its a specific event or more generalized experiences or feelings. The sources of inspiration are infinite, making each concert fresh and original.

This years concert will feature the comedic and athletics-inspired work, DanceSport, by Harrison McEldowney of DanceWorks Chicago. DanceSport is a dance piece performed to music with sports announcers commentating on what is happening on stage.

The dancers are characterizing the announcers words as they dance. Its extremely humorous and light, said Hilary Peterson, assistant professor of dance at Southeast and artistic coordinator for Spring into Dance. There are numerous connections to sports such as instant replays, fouls and penalties occurring throughout the dance. Audiences and sports fans alike will relate to the piece and are sure to enjoy a few laughs.

Other work being presented on the concert includes a contemporary ballet pas de deux by Alyssa Alger, a Spanish inspired jazz dance by Hilary Peterson and a strong, powerful modern work for thirteen dancers by Philip Edgecombe that will close the concert.

Stilson said, The faculty, guest artists, and students work for months creating these original dance pieces. They are always creative, inspired and professionally done. Im always amazed and energized by the talent displayed in these concerts. Theyre very exciting to watch, and audiences love the diversity of dances.

Peterson added, Spring into Dance is a fantastic way to see cutting-edge dance without having to travel to St. Louis or Memphis.

Tickets

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