‘An Evening of Dance,’ A year in the making

What was once a student’s dance studies performance in the basement of Parker Hall has now transformed into an incredible display of hard work, dedication and talent. 
It was 35 years ago when the first seeds of “An Evening of Dance” bloomed into conception. In the beginning, students prepared very short pieces of three minutes or less to perform in an old auditorium in the basement of Parker Hall. Since then, the production has evolved into a collaborative effort involving guest artists, faculty and the best of student’s choreography.

Marcia Murdock, director of the dance program in the department of theater and dance, has been involved in “An Evening of Dance” for over 25 years. She has been and currently is, the dedicated director for “An Evening of Dance.” Murdock holds a very important position that unsurprisingly offers no down time. What the public may not be aware of is that the process of this performance is ongoing.

Murdock said she will be working on next year’s show immediately following the current performance. She must decide what worked for the show and what didn’t, try to persuade guest artists to provide their pieces for the upcoming show and tackle the hefty job of scheduling the future semesters. She is constantly busy organizing production advertising and set availability for next year’s performance.

When spring rolls around, her dedication revolves around frequenting rehearsals to inspire changes and provide feedback to dancers and choreographers. Weekly meetings persist with multiple designers and the stage manager to ensure the production is heading towards success.

“An Evening of Dance” is a collection of student, faculty and guest artists’ modern dance performances. It is a Keene State College tradition that has enlivened and engaged audience members for many years.

Each year, choreographers create new and different dances to perform, making each year’s show an individual experience. Students this year have developed their pieces since the beginning of fall semester and were given several rounds of feedback to create extremely personal performances.

“The choreographers shape the concert. The choreographers are so unique in personality and in their artistic purpose that no show will ever be the same,” said performer Becky Midler, a KSC junior.

“Each piece is so unique within itself but still I feel that all of the pieces tie in with a level of depth on a personal level. The audience will be able to relate in their own way with each piece presented in the concert,” Midler said.

The time choreographers and dancers put into this production is plentiful.
“I put in around five to ten hours a week. I spent more time on my dance than other classes put together,” said junior choreographer Hannah Fluet. Fluet is choreographing and dancing in her duet, “Impasse,” which revolves around a couple’s struggling intimate relationship.

In addition, these dedicated artists also balance classes, homework, private life  and a work schedule. This kind of dedication can only be fueled by the motivation and inspiration found in their love for dance.

Inspiration for an elaborate and beautiful art form differs from person to person. Some use dance as a communication tool to connect with the audience.

“Performing is my communication method of preference,” junior Angie Hartley said. “On stage, I sense a connection with the audience as a whole when it is able to relate to me and, therefore, the choreographer.  Performing in the concert every year has given me the opportunity to hone my communication skills.”

Other performers said they find inspiration in the act of discovery.

“The experience of choreographing itself is a means for discovery and for that it is very much enjoyable and rewarding,” said senior Jessica Howard, recipient of the 2009 Alta Lu Townes Memorial Dance award. Howard is the creator of the dance, “Forgetting the Water Willow,” which is a solo that explores the relationship of the dancing body with the projected image. It is a dance about self-discovery and questions the necessity of interdependence.

Inspiration to be involved in this production came from the actual production itself. Fluet has been dancing since the age of four and began choreographing her junior year of high school. She recalled her impression of the show when she first saw it performed at KSC her senior year of high school.

“It motivated me to want to be in that show, just seeing the creativity in each number,” Fluet said. She has been involved in “An Evening of Dance” since her freshman year of college.

Finally, “An Evening of Dance” will be offering a distinctive and memorable addition to the program. This 2009 performance will be featuring a creation by Murdock and assistant director William Seigh called “Close to Home.” They both said this is a special project for both of them that has been a joy to work on.

“An Evening of Dance” will be held Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25 at 7:30p.m in the Main Theatre. Tickets for students are $5, general admission tickets are $10.

Jen St. Pierre can be contacted at jstpierre@keeneequinox.com.