Leah Allegro '26 (SUNY Geneseo/Benjamin Gajewski ‘07)
SUNY Geneseo’s Department of Theatre and Dance proudly presents the Geneseo Dance Ensemble in Dancing into View, which is dedicated to Myrtle Merritt, PhD, featuring works by faculty and student choreographers with 50 performers. The concert, artistically directed and produced by professor of dance studies Jonette Lancos, will be presented in the Alice Austin Theatre on February 27, February 28, and March 1 at 7:30 p.m., and March 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, available at the Student Association Ticket Office or online.
Dances are choreographed by faculty and student artists. “Ritual,” by Alissa Bachand, dance faculty, is inspired by the divine feminine. “Draiochtach,” by Deborah Scodese-French, dance faculty, shows the feeling of a whimsical journey through the green forests of Ireland. “Classical Figures Bright and Dim” is a classical ballet to the music of Aram Khachaturian created by Lancos. Guest artist Hettie Barnhill presents her work “In-Common LGB in Not-so Common Times.”
Shannon Altman ‘25 presents “The Purgatory,” a piece that embodies the feeling of numbness. Olivia Okoniewski ‘25 shows “Heal,” which resembles the challenges one faces in dealing with substance misuse and how rediscovering oneself can be challenging, yet rewarding. Stephanie Warner ‘25 presents “Mind Games,” which depicts her struggle with anxiety. “Ne Me Quitte Pas” is choreographed by Angel Bryant ‘26. The dance composition class will present their final projects using choreographic theory and the elements and principles of design as exhibited in images of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings titled “Artistry in Motion.”
Dancing into View is directed in collaboration with student assistants Altman, Okoniewski, Warner, and Madalyn Johnson ‘25. Theatre faculty and department chair Johnnie Ferrell will mentor student lighting designers. Costumes are designed by guest Lindsey Voorhees and costume shop supervisor Lisa Miskell in collaboration with the costume shop crew.
Dancing into View is supported by generous donations through The Geneseo Foundation from supporters and local businesses. Please join us for the 57th year of Geneseo Dance Ensemble and the 114th dance concert in an evening of diverse, dynamic original dance works.