Spring Concert: Together, We Move

Choreographer: Momar Ndiaye
Rehearsal Director: Ben Roach
Music Composer: Seth Alexander
Musicians: Seth Alexander, Electric Guitar; Matthew Dixon, Drum Set; Sidd Figurov, Violin; Alex Oberyszyn, Viola; Kevin Seals, Djembe
Dancers and Collaborators: Meghan Bhanoo, Isa Bowser, Gabby Brito, Carter Carter, Lucy Dillon, Anya Huth, Alisha Jihn, Sydney Jones-Rumph, Barry Nickell, Yana Person, Ben Roach, Destiny Thomas, Sofia Zwerdling
Notes on the piece: This piece is a reimagination of my MFA thesis “Point 0” that premiered in 2017. The work explores the concept of interculturalism and chorographically proposes a space that wants the notion of in-between-ness (the place we place ourselves vs the place we are placed) to be a nonviolent place to live (artistically, culturally, politically, etc...) Big appreciation to the dancers and musicians for their generosity and support!!! Dieureudieuf! Merci! Thank you!

A video of dancers rehearsing in a studio

Choreographer: Daniel Roberts, in collaboration with the dancers 
Music: María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir, “Aequora” (2017), performed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (Daníel Bjarnason, conductor)
Dancers: Malaika Burke, Leah Casiello, Emily Cheng, Ava Hunt, Valeria Kozak, Asya Little-Graves, Kylie Martin, Taylor McGoff, Emma Morrow, Brianna Rosato
Notes on the piece: The choreography for "Aequora" is inspired by Sigfúsdóttir’s score of the same name, from Latin for “sea,” and can refer to both the steadiness and roughness of the sea surface.

A video of dancers rehearsing in a studio and a theatre

Choreographer: Donald Isom
Dancers: Mariana Bais, Meghan Bhanoo, Evelyn Couch, Mia Curran, Ellie Espenshade, Ava Hunt, Sean Johnson, Barry Nickell, Braleena Pickens, Khamille Randall, Bella Seitz, Latifat Sulaimon, Huimin Tang, Destiny Thomas, Eryn Toppin
Music: Professor Ynot of Rock steady crew, Greg Owens, Caleaf Sellers, Big Rulez
Notes on the piece: This choreography delves into the self-doubt that many of us face, highlighting the inner struggles we all experience. It beautifully illustrates the effort and resilience it takes to navigate these feelings, both physically and emotionally.

A video of dancers rehearsing in a theatre

<<<TEN-MINUTE INTERMISSION>>>

Choreographer: Ronald K. Brown
Faculty Rehearsal Director: Nyama McCarthy-Brown
Music: Yacoub, “Da Na Ma” from the album “Et La Vie Continue” (2012)
Dancers: Celia Benvenutti, Liv Bryant, Zoe Canty, Shaela Davis, Lale Madenoglu, Aida de Souza-Nianduillet, Latifait Sulaimon, Quianna Simpson, Eryn Toppin, Afaliah Tribune
Notes on the piece: This piece, choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, was originally commissioned by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2014.  Brown came in November of 2024 with Arcell Cabaug to set this piece on Ohio State Dance students and Thiossane West African Dance Institute dance members. In the work, you will see dancers depict spiritual seekers amid four angels standing on the corners of the earth, holding the four winds. 

Special thanks to the Global Arts + Humanities Discovery Theme for supporting this guest artist residency.

Choreographer: Doug Varone
Staged by: Courtney Barth and Ryan Yamauchi
Faculty Rehearsal Director: Eddie Taketa
Music: “Sonata for Violin and Piano - Movement 2,” by Philip Glass, “Meetings Along The Edge,” by Philip Glass and Ravi Shankar, “Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra - Movement IV,” by Philip Glass
Original Lighting design by: Burke Wilmore

• Adapted by: Jonathon Hunter and Doug Varone

Original Costumes Design by: Gail Beldoni

• Adapted by: Lindsay Simon

Dancers:

• Section 1: Full Cast
• Section 2: Mariana Bais, Lindsay Beatty, Eleanor Buehler, Evelyn Couch, Lauren Jimenez, Sydney Ligon, Amelia Otte, Terrian Stevens
• Section 3: Hailey Eversole, Kennedy Gordon, Gianna Handlen, Sean Johnson, Jenna Naik, Gaetan O'Brien, Hattie Plinke, Khamille Randall, Tess Scearbo, Bella Seitz, Ava Torok, Alex Vanzant

Notes on the piece: "Double Octet" was commissioned by the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, along with the Conservatory of Dance. It premiered on April 7, 2021.

Sonata for Violin and Piano - Movement 2 by Philip Glass, Meetings Along The Edge by Philip Glass and Ravi Shankar, Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra - Movement IV by Philip Glass © 2008, 1990, 2008 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc. Used by Permission.

A video of dancers rehearsing in a studio and on a stage