On May 1 and 2, the GCSU Department of Theatre and Dance will present its Luminous Spring Dance Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Russell Auditorium, featuring a range of choreography by faculty, guest artists and undergraduate students in their annual end-of-semester production.
Students and faculty alike have been working diligently over the spring semester to curate a creative and skilled performance for all audiences to enjoy. Director Natalie King shared insight into the purpose behind the Luminous show.
“Although recently suggested as otherwise in popular media, the Luminous Spring Dance Concert very much proves that ballet, and dance more broadly, is not dead,” King said. “Its vitality is still very much intact at GCSU.”
King explained that the performance involves a wide range of media types, including classical works, contemporary choreography and dance films. This media allowed for exploration into themes including feminine archetypes, time, grief, identity and connection.
The performance will incorporate excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty and Giselle, along with Clarking, a piece from the guest artist Dr. Hank Bamberger. It will also include multiple original pieces created by GCSU dance minors.
Katie Howell, a junior Spanish major, is a key participant in the performance. She shared some meaningful moments throughout the production.
“Luminous is a really beautiful show filled with different styles of dance,” Howell said. “It is a creative and memorable piece by student choreographers, amazing faculty and a guest artist.”
Howell elaborated on the impact that involvement in the production has had on her as a performer and as a friend. She enjoyed dancing alongside her peers, learning new and unique dance choreography and learning about choreographing processes and techniques.
King shared further insight into how special Luminous has been for her regarding the students involved.
“I selfishly love that I get to spend time bringing my own work to life in collaboration with undergraduates,” King said.
According to King, Luminous provides a place for GCSU seniors to showcase their talents during the bittersweet end to their college career. They have played a crucial role in the production and beauty of the performance.
“Seniors like Andrea Barnett, Lily Cox, Jenna Hemenway, Bella McComis and Elin Smith have contributed as performers, choreographers and leaders in the GCSU Dance program,” King said. “It provides a meaningful time to honor our dedicated seniors in dance while showcasing their artistic impact on the program.”
Amelia Stanley, a freshman exercise science major, said she has enjoyed her time rehearsing for the performance as she learned unique pieces created by faculty and her peers.
“You get a taste of different styles of dance and choreography, not just one style or choreographer,” Stanley said.
Stanley also shared insight into potential challenges one can face during these productions, noting that it has been difficult to be in a ballet piece when she has been unable to take a dance class this semester.
“It can be difficult when you’re not getting ballet training during the week,” Stanley said.
King spoke of the gratitude she holds for the expansion of GCSU dance and the impact that Luminous has on the community. Within the joy of it, she also said that there is room for improvement in the coming years.
“We could always benefit from more time to develop our work as artists and additional faculty to mentor and support our students,” King said. “Expanded resources, particularly studio space and operational funding, can further strengthen and sustain our creative work.”
As the semester comes to a close, Luminous will showcase the dedication and creativity of GCSU’s dance community. To purchase tickets for the performance, visit tickets.gcsu.edu.