Senior Dance concert starts tonight

by Tara Stuckey
For The Post

Ohio University senior dance majors began presenting their choreographic theses at the Senior Dance Concert last night.

Remaining showings of the concert are at 7 and 9 p.m. today and Friday in Putnam Hall.

A total of 17 group and solo works comprise the concert, which will reveal the seniors’ various movement styles, personal experiences and passions.

Each night, the 7 p.m. performance showcases nine dances, and the 9 p.m. show includes eight.

The concert is rooted in a senior seminar course that requires students to choreograph a dance for the fall concert as a thesis project. Half of the seniors perform a solo and half present a group piece. The seniors then will switch choreographic roles for their spring concert.

"In a way, it’s kind of like turning in a paper," OU senior Olivia Detamore said of her choreography. "It’s my pride and joy."

In Detamore’s piece, nine underclassmen represent the pull to move forward and the heartache that results from leaving others behind. They perform to music that combines the playfulness of contemporary piano with the drive of modern bass.

Patriotism and spirituality weave throughout Melissa Hanneman’s solo, titled "JesU.S." The piece reveals a glimpse of faith beneath America’s recently tampered pride.

"I knew that I wanted to do a piece about faith," Hanneman said. "I think people will realize that there’s more than just patriotism holding our country together."

Group choreographers conducted underclassmen auditions for their pieces at the beginning of Fall Quarter. They then ran independent rehearsals in preparation for the concert.

"It has been really rewarding," said Whitney Jacobs, a freshman dance major who performs in one of the pieces. "This shows me the process I’ll have to go through, and it’s starting me off with ideas for my own piece."

Limited tickets are available in Kantner Hall for $5. A portion of the sales will benefit New York relief organizations.