Junior Choreographers
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The Junior Project is an independently directed endeavor and in-depth experience that is meant to expand one's knowledge, expertise, sensitivity, and ability in a specific area albeit choreography, teaching, or research. This project is designed by the student and extends well beyond the typical classroom experience.
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Please join us in viewing snapshots of dances that were intended to be completed and performed in Dance Up Close.
Will Copeland
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"Tracing Back Roots"
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This project explored my Puerto Rican roots through dance forms found on the island and connected them with my identity as a dancer, especially in the style of hip-hop.
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Megan Ellen Johnson
"Bodies Mean More"
Societal influences have a toxic and lifelong impact on each individual’s self-esteem, sexuality and life outlook. Through dance, we explore objectification, relationships, and disorders created by these social choices. Together we discovered that our bodies mean more!
Konnor Kambic
"Bionic Demeanor"
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Unison is defined by a simultaneous performance of action - at the same time, together, as one. The dancers and I pursued metaphor and physical challenges of “unison” moving through weighted questions such as: do I fit in here? Is this group placement right for me? How did I get here?
Kristen Manfredo
Untitled
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This work was created and unfinished with the concepts of healing, patterns, creating and breaking cycles, and the connection to others and self. When starting this work, I was focused on one’s healing spiritually, our inner dialogue, and the attachment we may have with others in a toxic manner. Later I wanted to reach a point where one’s character breaks their own unhealthy cycles. Thinking about the direction I was going with this piece I would say this is a story of one’s human condition and the cycles we make and break for ourselves and others.
Photo by Lucinda Sinclair
Tommy Parker
Untitled
Humanity has always had a fondness for the creatures that surround them, and in fact, have considered them a special part of their lives for much of their existence. This piece, A Ritual of Beasts, seeks to remind us of the lives all around, big or small, and what we can do to assist them.
Sophie Petersen
Untitled
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This piece was an attempt to embody the idea of self-isolation in a world surrounded by people. Originally the movement was to happen within a large dome-like structure covered in a translucent material that would destruct the view of the dancer (me) and the choreography. The audience, watching from the outside, would see the movement through a distorted lens. Although this thesis came to me before the pandemic, it seems awfully fitting to the current situation happening now.
Talia Randle
Untitled
This piece explores the idea of a machine, with many moving parts working together in order to complete a task. Themes include breaking a mold, independence versus dependence, and inorganic structures.
Ruby Roberts
Photo by William Munoz
KasperTheSaint
"Dear Mother"
“Dear Mother” is created to shine the light on the creations of man that have stunted and killed humanity. This experience is created to take a different perspective on the day to day normality of life on earth.
* Some photos accompanying artist statements were taken before campus closure and “stay at home” regulations were in place.