Students Collaborate With Environmental Scholars on Performances
BYU dancEnsemble turns its focus to the natural world in a concert exploring how the environment informs contemporary choreography. Seven student choreographers were chosen to collaborate with professors from Plant and Wildlife Studies, including professor Clint Whipple and Samantha Standring, through field studies along the Wasatch Front to observe how nature shapes artistic form. The students submitted their ideas for choreography, including one inspired by the mating rituals of crabs.
Artistic director Marin Roper she was “drawn to focusing on the natural world to support large-scale efforts currently being made to save the Great Salt Lake.” She hopes students will “realize that dance can serve as a platform to educate and change attitudes and opinions about issues that matter to everyone.”
Having seven students choreograph the pieces “provides them with an immersive experience,” as they will be working alongside professors Keely Song Glenn and Jocelyn Smith. This gives them the opportunity to “work with a guest choreographer that they can look to as an example,” according to Roper. In addition to the student choreographers, there is a company of over 25 dancers.
Jocelyn Smith’s professional choreography focuses on the question “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” In her artistic exploration, she comes to the conclusion that the purpose of these trials is to develop compassion, even beyond times of hardship. “I am learning that we can do a little better and plan more ahead when supporting others,” said Smith. “Compassion can come before the event, not just after, when we take care of people.”
This performance will bring together dance, environmental awareness and spiritual reflection in a display of creativity and collaboration. Featuring original student works alongside new choreography by visiting professor Jocelyn Smith, artistic director Marin Roper and professor Keely Song Glenn, the concert will invite audiences to consider the relationship between stewardship and movement.
Tickets and Show Details
When: November 13-14 at 7:30 p.m., November 15 at 2:00 p.m.. A student Q&A will follow Thursday night’s performance.
Where: RB Dance Performance Theatre
Price: $13
Tickets: Available online at onstage.byu.edu