Seven Arizona State University dance students are speaking out about important social issues in this year’s senior projects.
Senior students in the Department of Music, Dance and Theater perform original choreography in the annual transition show titled āLiminality.ā They chose this name to express the experience of “the space between what is no more and what is not yet.” As graduating seniors, they look back on their school experience while also looking forward to their professional paths.
āWeāre all in this weird space of being professionals,ā said Ben Block, a dance education major and sustainability minor. āFurthermore, everyoneās work falls within this scope of addressing something that has not yet happened or has already happened.ā
Block wanted to use his work to raise awareness about climate change and how big companies should take responsibility to be more sustainable. As the stage fills with trash, the dancers move around and throw plastic bottles and bags.
āI wanted it to be a combination of my dance major and sustainability minor, but also be me,ā Block said. āItās full of bright colors and satire.ā
Dance major Eva Rincon’s work focuses on unsheltered populations, drug use, and sex workers. The move is inspired by images of her Stephan Quintet, a group of five distinct but closely related galaxies taken by NASA. james webb space telescope.
“I really like the idea that if we look at things from a broader perspective, we might find out how much we actually have in common,” Rincon said. “What we need to focus on is the big picture of all of us together. We’re going to find ways to come together. This intersectionality is already happening in these communities.”
Rincon is the next recipient. Creative Constellation Grants and Design and a grant from Arts Corps. Herberger Institute of Design and Art, but also Artist Opportunity Grant from Arizona Arts Commission. She plans to develop her own work into a multi-act full-length production.
Another student, Yeonju Jang, is majoring in dance education and plans to present a piece that uses hip-hop to examine our communities and the bonds that connect us. Her work encapsulates much of what she learned at ASU, she said.
“The main concept I use is the East Asian myth about the red string of fate,” Chan said. “I’m basically exploring the different bonds that we experience throughout our lives. I wanted to share all the knowledge I’ve gained here.”
In addition to choreography, each student is responsible for casting, music selection, costumes, lighting, and rehearsals. This is part of her one-year course to prepare students for professional work in the field.
āI am truly grateful to all the faculty and mentors who have helped get us to this point,ā Professor Chan said. āThere is so much compassion in this department.ā
viewers can see āLimitalityā will be performed at the Margaret Gisolo Dance Theater on February 10th at 7:30pm and February 11th at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. ElberGEL Institute box office revenue.