"Scripps Dances," the annual spring concert of the Scripps College Dance Department, will take place on April 12 and 13 at 8:00 p.m. in the Mudd Theatre at the Claremont School of Theology. The program features danceworks by students and faculty, including an original piece choreographed by returning guest artist Stephanie Gilliland, director of the dance company TONGUE. Tickets will be sold at the door: $7.00 for general admission, $5.00 for seniors and Claremont Colleges students, faculty, and staff. Claremont School of Theology students and faculty will be admitted free with identification. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. For general concert information, or information about handicap access to the theatre, call (909) 607-2934.
Combining an eclectic mix of dance forms, including modern, ethnic, and jazz dance, with rhythms and music ranging from blues to funk to rock, "Scripps Dances" is one of the highlights of the dance department’s spring calendar, providing an opportunity for students, faculty, and guest artists to debut original choreography and performance work.
In addition to Stephanie Gilliland’s much-anticipated piece, this year’s program features a piece by Scripps’ newest dance faculty member, Dave Massey, who will present a modern-based four-part suite, performed to jazz and blues music that ranges from fast and fun to quiet and introspective.
Central to this production is the presentation of senior thesis projects. Among the graduating seniors who have choreographed and will perform in the concert are Taryn Chase and Roshelle Howard, Scripps College; Jessy Kronenberg, Pitzer College; and Jackie Lee Ward, Claremont McKenna College.
Chase will present a unique piece that utilizes clear acrylic boxes to create the illusion of floating dancers, a work that earned praise at the March 2002 American College Dance Festival for its "striking visual design." Howard will present a reconstructed and extended group version of a solo piece she performed in the Scripps/Pomona Fall Dance Concert. Kronenberg will present a work inspired by her study abroad experience in Venezuela, comprised of group sections danced to jazz music and a solo danced to live music, composed and performed by Pomona alumnus Matt Smart. Ward will present a vibrant and dynamic modern piece incorporating several cultural styles.
Other student choreographers who will have original works performed include undergraduate dance majors Andrea Cordova and Meg Foley of Scripps and Dena Bodzin of Harvey Mudd College.