BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre Presents “Textile”—a Performance That Intertwines Dance and Fabric
Textile artist Anni Albers said, “We must come down to earth from the clouds where we live in vagueness and experience the most real thing there is: material.”
This quote is the inspiration behind “Textile” said director Keely Song. This inventive performance by the Contemporary Dance Theatre will be showing on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5.
According to Song, audience members can expect to be led on a journey exploring various dance styles interwoven with a reflection on textile, material and fabric.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, Song found herself reflecting on tactile experiences. While social distancing limited contact with friends and family textiles, tactile experiences around the home were physically available.
“I had been reflecting on textile, material, and fabric,” said Song. “It was these items that we were allowed to touch, manipulate, and experience during social distancing.”
Those items Song reflected on have transformed into the inspiration for the show, with textile being represented in both the costuming and the choreography.
“This concert is inspired by the materials around us and on us that are imbued with meaning and movement from human interaction,” said Song. “It speaks on human connectedness woven within the fibers and clothing that we grow, live and work in.”
Song described how the CDT department relied on the skills of many artists for the choreography, with performances featuring original work by several BYU professors and dance artists in the community. This "Made in Utah” performance was a valuable experience for students.
“It allowed the students to tap into the incredible local community that we have in Utah and experience the depth and breadth of various styles and artists.”
BYU Professors involved in bringing the show to life include Nathan Balser, Adam Dyer, Marin Leggat Roper and Kori Wakamatsu. Utah artists that helped with the show include Marc Cameron, Amy Gunter, Eldon Johnson, Jen Pendleton, Ursula Perry and Matt Warner.
Song ensures that the beauty in contemporary dance can be felt by everyone, even for those less familiar with the contemporary dance scene. This art form evokes deep feelings and taps into the human experience. The nuance and subtlety of contemporary choreography engenders personal interpretation and feelings that can differ from the person sitting next to them.
For Song, the nuances and subtleties of contemporary dance “open the space for dreaming, so allow yourself to dream!”
Tickets and Show Details:
With the exception of seats for ASL interpretation, current performance dates are sold out. This post will be updated with more information.
BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre “Textile”
- Friday, November 4 | 7:30 pm
- Saturday, November 5 | 2:00 pm
- Saturday, November 5 | 7:30 pm
Location: Dance Performance Theatre, Richards Building
Price: $12
Tickets: For ASL seating please email tickets@byu.edu for these reserved seats.