Geneseo Dance Ensemble, 2018 (SUNY Geneseo Image/Keith Walters '11)
SUNY Geneseo’s Department of Theatre and Dance Studies presents the Geneseo Dance Ensemble’s Dancing the Liberal Arts in Keeping on Balance, featuring new works by guest and faculty artists. The concert is artistically directed and produced by Professor Jonette Lancos with Associate Director Mark Broomfield ‘94, Ph.D., assistant professor of dance studies.
The program will be presented in the Alice Austin Theatre, William A. Brodie Hall, on the SUNY Geneseo campus on Feb. 28 and March 1–2 at 7:30 p.m., and on March 3 at 2 p.m. The performances are open to the public and free parking is available. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Student Association Ticket Office or online at bbo.geneseo.edu.
Invited student choreographers are Nicole Acierno ‘19 presenting Of a Minute inspired by the ephemeral aspects of a violet and Origin, by Sydney Klein ’19 an exploration of new beginnings.
Sirenic, choreographed by guest artist-in-residence Jon Lehrer, is a representation of the aspects of women in today’s age. The title derives from sirens of Greek mythology, female creatures whose singing charmed sailors to shipwreck. Love Found, Love Lost, choreographed by Broomfield, to Keith Jarrett’s Blame It On My Youth, evokes the bittersweet memories of a brief romantic encounter. Animé / Élancé / Élan, is a symphonic ballet choreographed by Lancos to the final section of Symphony on a French Mountain Air, danced with a brisk attack, lively darting through the French Pyrénées mountains.
Inspired by her travels to the Galapagos Islands, Inhabitants by Deborah Scodese-French, adjunct instructor of dance studies, reflects on the wondrous sights and animal life there. Touch (Screen), choreographed by adjunct instructor Jody DeLoria, investigates the impact of technology on human interaction. She will also present Memphis Stomp, a spirited tap duet to music by Dave Grusin.
Nearer, by adjunct instructor Nicolette Ferguson danced to a 19th-century hymn, Honors the Memory of Rev. Dr. Vera E. Miller her spiritual leader, mentor, confidant, supporter, and friend who was the first African American woman to become Senior Pastor of an American Baptist Church, Rochester Genesee Region. On Stage Right, choreographed by Ferguson, considers the words “on stage right” used in three ways: “enter on stage right,” “I am on stage right,” and “when on stage, am I right?”
In addition to Lancos and Broomfield, the Geneseo Dance Ensemble’s Keeping on Balance is directed and produced with the help of senior student assistants Jennifer Conflitti, Sydney Klein and Samantha Schmeer. Nikko Garmendiz is the production stage manager. Theatre faculty members Associate Professor Johnnie Ferrell and lecturer and theatre costume designer Bonita Stubblefield mentor student lighting and costume designers.
The production is supported by The Geneseo Foundation.