The Department of Theatre and Dance will bring the creativity of student performers, choreographers and designers together in its annual production of “Afterimages.”
“It is a really unique opportunity for everyone in not only the dance program, but the entire theater and dance department to come together and collaborate,” said Emily Hein, senior dance and arts management major.
Hein is one of the student directors and choreographers for the show. She will also be performing in “I Can Move Mountains,” a piece choreographed by dance major Constance Williams.
The production’s focus on original student artistry gives dancers and designers a chance to meet and interact with more peers in their department, she said.
“If there is a senior choreographer you can cast any student of any year, so that has been really cool. It has been a good way to get to know the upperclassmen and the lowerclassmen. We don’t really interact outside of technique classes unless we have rehearsals with each other, so that has been a really big part of why I have enjoyed this process so much,” said Sarah Fernander, junior dance major.
This is Fernander’s second year performing in Afterimages. She will be dancing in “A New and Different Sun,” a contemporary piece choreographed by Emily Hein. Fernander said the piece begins with rigid, sharp choreography and as the dance continues the dancers break into more free movements.
The composition is about the balance between finding one’s place without solely focusing on the destination but the journey, Hein said. Maps are used throughout the piece as props are incorporated in the design of the costumes.
“It is a really great opportunity for me to develop my voice as a choreographer. I really enjoy working with just the varying ages in the dance program. Being able to work with freshman and sophomores that I usually wouldn’t see in class and being able to rehearse with them. It just really brings everyone in our program together, and I think especially because it is students that are working together there is just kind of this different atmosphere. It is really open and a lot of fun,” Hein said.
Hein is excited for the audience to see the different creations of each student choreographer and how they culminate to make a harmonious production.
“The faculty and students just really respect one another and allow each other to develop as artists. There is just so much support from everyone that I feel comfortable being vulnerable and taking risks in my work,” Hein said.
“Afterimages” will be performed Dec. 9 to 12 at 7:30 p.m., as well as Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. All shows will take place in the Studio Theatre inside the Noel Fine Arts Center.
Tickets can be purchased at the UWSP Ticket Office located in the Dreyfus University Center or by visiting the UWSP Box Office website.
Mary Knight
Reporter
mknig512@uwsp.edu