he University of Utah’s modern dance department is an eclectic mix of diversity and explosive energy. Its history of excellence is evident through numerous performances throughout the year. The latest concert is a showcase for this year’s graduating seniors and features original compositions choreographed by the students.

A myriad of opportunities awaits these seniors upon graduation. Many hope to start their own companies, audition, teach or go to graduate school. Senior Eileen Rojas says she is interested in the social-work area and would like to use dance as a model to help people. This concert gives us the opportunity to witness the climactic conclusion of the students’ education.

Part one of the concert, titled, “Borrowed Time,” took place last week, highlighting seven senior choreographers. “Doing Time,” the second part, debuts next week and focuses on the remaining eight graduating students. Together, the two shows represent the culmination of four years of intense commitment to the art form.

“Borrowed Time” featured much diversity and creativity within the pieces, as well as in the individual dancers.

“Exit From Eden,” choreographed by Natosha Washington, was a sensitive portrayal of six dancers on a journey. Bronze lighting and loose-fitting costumes gave the piece an earthy feel. Accompanied by beautiful music composed by Philip Glass, the dancers conveyed a sense of friendship and caring, often dancing together in pairs.

Nathan Shaw choreographed “Laura and Ronette,” a duet performed by Chelsea Ellis and Stacie Webster. The abstract piece utilized sharp movements around two chairs, while the music incorporated many sounds such as phones ringing and other voices talking.

“Ritornare” was a playful and carefree piece. Choreographed by Cali Jo Hawkins, it featured seven girls with ponytails, dancing energetically. The various patterns and the way they used the whole stage were particularly interesting to watch.

The next piece provided a nice contrast. “A Life Worthwhile,” a duet choreographed by Lehua Brown, was a soaring, emotional piece with a lyrical movement style. Dancers Kiersten Lewis and Mike O’Conner captured the mood of the piece beautifully, floating through each movement with ease and expression.

Faye Driscoll, a guest choreographer from San Francisco, choreographed “Something in the Water.” This colorful piece was extremely detailed and managed to make ordinary movements like crawling fingers, claps, spasms and shaking shoulders into something entirely new. It was based on the fascinating concept of recreating sequences from the dancers’ dreams, such as walking on “Jell-O water” and spinning.

Kiersten Lewis’ “Movement for 3 in K Major” was entertaining and fun to watch. Tiffany Enger, Shannon Hatch and Rhonda Rooker were musical and magnetic as they performed the rhythmic piece, which had a jazzy, big band feel to it.

“From the Outside In” by Tiffany Enger, was a romantic piece that made good use of set design, while Shannon Hatch’s “A Slight Amalgamation” summed up the whole concert—a celebration of the joy of dance.

Part two of the concert, “Doing Time,” promises to be just as diverse with live musicians and multimedia artists.

With this group of unique individuals, you can be sure that they will take dance to the next level.

“Doing Time” takes place Feb. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. All performances are at the U’s Marriott Center For Dance. Tickets are $8 or $5.50 for students and faculty. Get your tickets at the Kingsbury Hall box office or at the door.
marissa@red-mag.com