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Ensemble Celebrates Music and Motion Through Jazz and Blues

January 14, 2010

The Valparaiso University Dance Ensemble’s annual concert, an energetic and creative program combining original choreography, costumes, lighting design and music, will celebrate movement, music and emotion drawing upon the jazz and blues genres during performances Feb. 12 to 14.

Ann Kessler, associate professor of theatre and co-director of the Dance Ensemble, said student and faculty choreographers selected music by jazz and blues artists that inspired them to dance.

“The dance pieces shown in this concert represent stories of love, loss, pain and joy and are dedicated to those musicians, choreographers, teachers and family members who have inspired all of us in this adventure called life,” Kessler said.

More than 40 students and community members will participate in the performances Feb. 12 at 8 p.m., Feb. 13 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. in the University Theatre at Valpo’s Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students, and may be purchased by calling the Valpo Box Office at (219) 464-5162 or online at http://www.valpo.edu/vuca.

Kessler says what began as a student run organization 11 years ago has grown and evolved into the Dance Ensemble, and under the leadership of Department of Theatre faculty, its members rehearse throughout the fall and spring semesters to create the annual Concert of Dance.

“The Ensemble provides an opportunity for student choreographers and dancers to challenge themselves artistically and physically as they pursue their various academic paths,” Kessler said. “The Ensemble members represent nearly every college within the University and its members all share one common interest – to dance, and share their passion for dance with their community.”

The Dance Ensemble annually performs original compositions featuring ballet, jazz, pointe, tap, ballroom and modern dance styles. Works are choreographed by Kessler and Kathleen Dominiak, adjunct assistant professor of theatre and ensemble co-director, as well as Valpo students.

This year’s ensemble also will perform dances prepared by three student choreographers – Alison Herrell, a senior biology major from Brookfield, Wis.; Lilia Oakey, a humanities, television-radio communications and creative writing major from Burbank, Ill.; and Heather Zell, a senior theology and youth, education and family ministry major from Mendota, Ill. – and two guest choreographers, Valpo graduates Dani Carter and Casandra Ginter

Joining the Dance Ensemble will be members of the University’s ballroom group Dance Etc. and hip-hop group Charisma.

Valpo’s final mainstage theatre production this spring is William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in April. For more information about upcoming productions, call the Valpo Box Office at (219) 464-5162 or visit http://www.valpo.edu/theatre. Tickets to individual performances may be reserved by calling the Box Office. Groups of at least 10 may reserve seats together and get a $3 discount per seat by calling at least two weeks in advance of each production’s opening.