Personal experiences inspire dance

Dance majors will present choreography works of their own creation as part of the Junior Choreography Showcase, sponsored by the Ball State University Department of Theater and Dance.

"Heartbreaker," a spoof of the Christmas classic "Nutcracker," is one of eleven dance numbers choreographed by students that will be featured in the showcase at 7:30 p.m. March 2 and 3, and 2:30 p.m. on March 4. All shows will be held at the Korsgaard Dance Studio in Ball Gym.

Senior musical theatre and dance major Katie Clark choreographed the "Heartbreaker" number. Clark said she had the idea to do a comical take on Clara falling in love with the Nutcracker and exploring what happened after she left the land of the sweets. In Clark's version, the Nutcracker leaves Clara and has a brief affair with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Queen Mouse and one of the Arabian dancers.

"I wanted to put a funny spin on another way of seeing the Nutcracker," Clark said.

Jason Flodder, senior musical theatre and dance major, decided to mix high comedy with modern dance to illustrate his high school ADD diagnosis. "I thought it was something close to me and affected me, so why not do a dance about it," Flodder said.

Many of the choreographers decided to pull inspiration from personal experiences when choreographing their dances. Junior dance major Marcie Greene choreographed her dance number so it would tell the story about falling in love and breaking up, then going into different relationships but never being able to shake the memory of the one who is held most dear.

"That is why it is called 'Historical Obsession,'" she said. "Because you're obsessed with the past, but you want something new."

Some choreographers dealt with deeper issues. Choreographer Stephanie Settle's dance "Heroes" is a tribute to the soldiers in Iraq. Brittany Grimm, a junior dance major, used five dancers and focused on movement and balance to bring to life Delsarte's Law of Trinity in "The Ninefold Accord."

Other choreographers dealt with lighter issues, such as dolls that come to life and compete for the spotlight in "Doll Polyphony," choreographed by Amanda Barley.

PerformanceWHATJunior Choreography Showcase

TIME7:30 p.m. today and Saturday2:30 p.m. Sunday

VENUEKorgsgaard Dance Studio


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