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This year’s theme, Up/rising, reflects both the trajectory of our department and the dynamic world we inhabit. In a time when the sociopolitical climate challenges us daily, this concert serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of perseverance through our art form.
Up/rising encapsulates our collective journey as artists, rising to meet obstacles with creativity and determination. It celebrates the transformative power of dance—a medium that allows us to express our truths, challenge societal norms and inspire change. This concert invites you and our audiences to recognize the potency of dance as a form of advocacy, healing and connection.
As you watch and participate in this concert, consider how your own artistic journey contributes to the larger narrative of our society. Embrace the idea that every movement, every performance and every moment on stage holds the potential to resonate deeply with others. In a society that often undervalues the arts, let this concert remind you of your vital role as artists and change-makers.
Thinking of the quote, “United we rise, divided we fall,” this concert reflects our unity in passion for dance and our commitment to using our voices to uplift, inspire and challenge the status quo. Through Up/rising, we not only celebrate our achievements but also galvanize our dedication to the art form we cherish, defending it with courage, creativity and a shared vision for the future of dance.
All the pieces will showcase performances by Ohio State's BFA and MFA in Dance students.
Pre-show talk: CANCELED
Post-show talk: CANCELED
About the works (in order of appearance):
Choreographer: Joshua Manculich in collaboration with the dancers
Rehearsal Director: Lexi Clark-Stilianos
Music: "Piano," by Bugge Wesseltoft, "Leave my Head Alone Brain," by Bugge Wesseltoft, Henrik Schwarz
Dancers: Lily Clement, Carter Carter, Lale Madenoglu, Keagan McCarty, Taylor McGoff, Emma Morrow, Jenna Naik, Barry Nickell, Lily Poynter, Katie Sabatino, Tess Scearbo, Ava Torok
Notes on the piece: When space feels limited—make your own! "Ink" is an ode to taking up space, and a testament to the notion that everybody has a right to be here.
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
Choreographer and Dancer: Shaela Davis
Music: “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No) - Extended Mix,” by Dawn Penn
Notes on the piece: This work is an exploration of appreciation and self-discovery through pelvic work. Who has access and how much access is granted to the viewer?
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
Choreographer: Nyama McCarthy-Brown in collaboration with the dancers
Music: Ezzio Bosso and Seth Alexander
Stage Manager: Huimin Tang
Dancers: Marian Bais, Zoe Canty, Alaina Craig, Alyesha Jones, Lauren Jimenez, Adriana Little-Graves, Asya Little-Graves, Maya Regule, Isabel Silverman, Emily Soehl, Destiny Thomas, Christina von Ruecker
Notes on the piece: This piece explores what it takes to win, and the impact of being pushed or pushing oneself to personal limits. The dance is an unfolding investigation of personal, self-destructive behaviors as well as and the motivations that carry one to achieve. Through the work, dancers embody the frustrations that loom when obstacles to winning are felt; as well as the joys of physical prowess. The piece culminates with a reckoning of how we chose to relate to our competitors who often push us to greatness, and are in many ways, our collaborators.
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
Choreographer: Eddie Taketa in collaboration with the dancers
Music: Composed by Seth Alexander; Performed by Seth Alexander and Phil Brown Dupont
Stage Manager: Huimin Tang
Dancers: Aidan Branham, Eleanor Buehler, Hailey Eversole, Gianna Handlen, Sidney Hopkins, Anya Huth, Graci Jackson, Emma Morrow, Hattie Plinke, Khamille Randall, Tess Scearbo, Sofia Zwerdling
Notes on the piece: Benjamin Roach was an integral part of “Fall In Filigree’s” creation and performance. Thank you, Ben!
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
Choreographer: Zoey November in collaboration with the dancers
Dramaturge: Chloe A. Schafer
Costume Designer: Zoey November
Music: “Bird’s Lament,” by Katia Labèque, David Chalmin, Massimo Pupillo; Sound designed by Zoey November from freesound.org and the Adobe royalty-free audio library
Dancers: Abby Bouton, GiGi Henley, Adriana Little-Graves, Brooke Misch, Jiara Sha, Mary Storm, Charlottle Turchi
Notes on the piece: Textile sculptures reveal the unnoticed connections between people and the impact we have on each other’s lives. What characters and relationships emerge out of this sea of fabric? How do the narratives we interpret tell us something about our cultures, society and ourselves?
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
Choreographer: Michelle Gibson
Rehearsal Director: Ryan Johnson
Residency Assistant: Celeste Brace
Lighting Designers: Ryan Johnson and Jonathon Hunter
Music: “Afro Horn,” by Francisco Mora-Catlett, Egun Moyuba and Saints at Congo Square; “I Need Thee Every Hour,” by Debra Henderson; “Simunye, We Are One,” by PJ Morton; “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” by Kermit Ruffins with Rebirth Brass Band; “Unanae,” by New Birth Brass Band
Band: Trumpet - Milo Mannino, Trombone - Rashad Mitchell, Sousaphone - Tony Zilincik, Snare Drum - Seth Alexander, Bass Drum - Ryan Johnson
Dancers: Zoe Canty, Carter Carter, Evelyn Couch, Asya Little-Graves, Jin Liu, Magen Neal, Barry Nickell, Amelia Otte, Alex Vanzant, with Ryan Johnson
Notes on the piece: This work begins with a prayer to Egun, the ancestors, opening the space for ritual to take place. This is not merely dance, but reverence for life and humanity; an opportunity to worship through sacred communal gathering that the dancers invite you to witness. Allow your Spirits to open, to heal, and to reveal their light as the dancers traverse a community Convocation, individual Testimonies, and a Benediction that calls on the culture of the Black Church and the streets of New Orleans. Witness the worship and take part. May we all feel blessed and healthy as a result. Ase O
A video showing rehearsal movement phrases in a dance studio and theatre
PRODUCTION TEAM
Lighting Designer: Jonathon Hunter
Costume Designer: Lindsay Simon (unless otherwise indicated)
Media Designer: Lexi Clark-Stilianos
Stage Manager: Nico Lawson (unless otherwise indicated)
Board Operators: Emily Cheng and Sean Johnson
Back Stage Crew: Malaika Burke and Latifat Sulaimon
Documentation Crew: Kennedy Gordon, Masha Moiseytseva, Larissa Rojas-Navarro, and Allie Castina supervised by Lexi Clark-Stilianos
TICKETS:
General admission tickets are $20 and may be purchased by contacting the Ohio State Theatre Ticket Office. Ohio State faculty, staff, and Alumni Association members; senior citizens; non-Ohio State students; children; and military veterans may purchase tickets for $10. Current Ohio State students may purchase tickets for $5 with a valid BuckID. The Ohio State Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Ticket Office does not accept cash.
Tickets can be purchased in three ways:
- Online through Ticketmaster.com
- Over the phone during normal business hours
- In person at the Ohio State Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Ticket Office
How to contact the Ohio State Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Ticket Office:
Address: 100 Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Building, 1932 College Road, Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-292-2295
E-mail: Theatre-Tix@osu.edu
Hours: The Ohio State Theatre, Film, and Media Arts Ticket Office follows the regular Ohio State Academic Calendar - if students don't have class, the Ticket Office is closed.
- The Ticket Office will be open for in-person sales during limited hours, Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm.
- On performance days in Sullivant Hall, walk-up ticket sales will begin 60 minutes prior to the production.
- Phone orders are not accepted on evenings and weekends
Photo by John Landry, Top5ive Photography of "Five Pillars," by Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown