Student Solo Concert

An Ode to a Year and a Half Gone By

Choreographed and Performed by: Catja Christensen ’23

Music: “Gnossienne No. 1” by Erik Satie, performed by Alena Cherny

Note:
I created this piece by drawing from personal improvisation sessions over the past year and a half to the same music — Gnossienne No. 1. I explored my emotional and psychological evolution while beginning a new chapter of my life and encountering aspects of my past that have irrevocably shaped me. As I revisited the music at different points in my development, new perspectives resulted in new interpretations of the repetitive rhythm and motifs. Hypnotic and startling, fluid and explosive, this is my story of growth, resistance, longing, and metamorphosis.

Fissures

Choreographed and Performed by: Maddie Duval ’24

Music: “Alberto Balsalm” by Aphex Twin

wasting words

Choreographed and Performed by: Jocelyn Lewis ‘24

Music: “Repetition” by Phil Kaye

Note:
I started working with this audio a year ago, pre-pandemic. I was initially just inspired by the musicality of Phil Kaye’s voice, but after a year of routine and repetition his message of finding meaning in recurrence started to resonate with me. Thank you so much to the wonderful dance department, faculty and students, for their support and guidance.

Taking the Floor

Choreographed and Performed by: Brielle Blood ’24

Music: “Otherside” by Perfume Genius

Note:
The song that I choreographed to, “Otherside” was actually on one of my friend’s playlists, and every time it came on my mind and body instantly choreographed itself. Every time I'd ask, "ooo what's this song", not realizing that I already knew the answer. Every listen sparked something new within me and made me always wanting more, so I present the same to you! This performance is about the relationship between one and the floor; the valley, the low points, where the dirty things gather- but ultimately the power and strength that lifts one up and allows one to soar, time and time again.

Not yet there but getting there.

Choreographed and Performed by: Elisabeth Wales ’22

Music: “Triveni” by Rodrigo y Gabriela

Note:
When I was 13 years old I received my first dance award, the “Potential Plus” award. Since then I have been obsessed with having “potential”. I try to love the “almost” moments in dance. Success is a process; it is not the moment when you finally achieve getting something just right. I strive as a dancer to be one that almost has it almost all of the time, that is why I love to dance, that is why I love to learn. Here is a dance filled with “almosts” and hopefully some potential. This dance is filled with how I love to move, how I wish to move, and how I have been told to move. Thank you to the Connecticut College Dance Department and guest artist Tatiana Desardouin for your wonderful support and thoughtful feedback throughout this process. I am so, so, so grateful for all of you!

Internal Storm

Choreographed and Performed by: Lexi Robertson ’23

Music: “Rolling Thunder”

Note:
I am calling this piece “Internal Storm” because I have been experiencing this intense conflict within me lately that has been consuming me. It feels overwhelming and never-ending sometimes, similar to how it feels when one is waiting for the storm to pass. There is this longing and anticipation for better, brighter days. However, I don’t want to feel this way anymore. Even though there is a storm within me, I am going to take a deep breath and dance in the rain. At the end of the day, dance has always been there to help me heal and overcome whatever challenges I may be facing.

Crush ME

Choreographed and Performed by: Lara Beckius ’24

Music: “Crush” by Dave Matthews Band

Note:
Dance has been my joy through the chaos and disruption of this pandemic year. In my piece, the white papers represent monotony, overwhelm, and the stress of confinement. It's a situation I cannot control, and yet, I never stop moving in its midst… never let it crush ME. This dance is organic: It is different every time it’s performed. I hope you get lost in the fluidity and feel enlivened amid the disorder and clutter, just as much as I do. Thank you to the wonderful dance faculty for their feedback and for this truly unmatched opportunity and to my mom for her support.

Splintery Edges

Choreographed and Performed by: Susanna Procario-Foley ’23

Music: “Grow Till Tall” & “Spoken Word Poem,” by Jonsi

Text: Susanna Procario-Foley

Note:
This piece reflects on my dance upbringing. Looking back on childhood memories, I think it’s interesting to consider which moments stick with us; it is those images that circulate in my head as I dance this piece. My movement is both nostalgic and anticipatory, an ode to the past and a nod to the future. I sincerely thank the Connecticut College Dance faculty and my fellow students for making this event possible and for supporting our artistic growth!

Unframed

Choreographed and Performed by: Maddie Oliver ’24

Music: “A Love Song” by Garth Stevenson