Narrative dance focuses on the story conveyed through movement, whereas artistic dance places more emphasis on form. Audiences will soon get the opportunity to see the different forms in action.
Lamar’s department of theatre & dance will present “Dance Unleashed,” April 24- 25 in the University Theatre. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. April 24 and 25, with a matinee at 2 p.m., April 25.
The concert will feature various styles of dance, including tap, contemporary, jazz and modern.
Cameron Hood, San Antonio junior, will perform in three dances including aerial silks, ballet and modern.
“The aerial and modern pieces are more narrative driven, but the ballet piece is artistic,” Hood said.
Hood said she is looking forward to performing the diversity in the styles.
“The three pieces that I am in are very different, so getting to channel the different parts of my body and mind for each dance is exciting.”
Valyncia Broussard, Beaumont junior, will also feature in three dances, including “He Who Has An Ear,” created by guest artist Billy Hawkins.
“Our guest artist piece has really challenged us as a group, both physically and mentally, and Amy (Wright)’s dance has put a unique spin on the usual modern technique we do during a show,” Broussard. “We’re really excited to do something that is both familiar and new.”
Amy Wright, assistant professor of dance, who is the director of the concert, has choreographed a piece called “Passacaglia,” which is a neo-classical ballet.
“It is set to a piece by Bach, and it is a quintet on some for our dancers,” she said. “I haven’t set a ballet since I’ve been at Lamar, and it has been fun.”
Wright said she is looking forward to seeing Hawkins’ work.
“It is very intense and experiential, and our students got a lot out of that experience,” she said. “It is a modern dance. In this concert, something unique is that we have guests from Collin College in Dallas, and they are bringing three dances to share.”
Vidor senior Reagan Dearing will also perform in three dances and said this concert will be emotional for her.
“I am most looking forward to the last dance” she said. “I am a senior, and I will be dancing with some of these people for the last time. It’s a bittersweet moment for me. I’ve shared some of the best memories with this dance family.”
People should come see the show, because the dances are different from those seen on social media, Dearing said.
“The dance you see on social media is all about tricks,” she said. “It’s pretty, but I prefer the rawer side of dance. My peers and I have put our blood, sweat and tears into what we love, and it really shows on stage. We would love to share our passion with people.”
For tickets, visit lutd.ludus.com.