Hofstra University’s Dance Program will present its annual Fall Dance Concert at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Nov. 19-22.
Hofstra faculty choreographers include Dyane Harvey-Salaam, Rachel List, Amy Marshall, Livia Vanaver, and Karla Wolfangle. This semester’s guest choreographer is Bill Young, co-founder of Bill Young/Colleen Thomas & Co., a company noted for its impact across cultural boundaries.
The company’s work has spoken to audiences the world over – from Estonia, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary to Portugal, Taiwan, Brazil, Peru and Venezuela. Young is a recipient of Guggenheim and NYFA fellowships. In 1988 he established Bill Young & Dancers, for which he created more than 70 works. He has also taught at universities and festivals throughout the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Fall Concert dances include:
“This is not ____,” a new work by Young, created with (and especially for) 12 Hofstra junior dance majors.
The balance of the junior class will perform “Un Acadien Errant (The Wandering Acadian),” choreographed by new faculty member Livia Vanaver. This piece is inspired by the tragedy of the Acadian expulsion which occurred in Canada in 1775. Many traveled down the Mississippi and found a new life in Louisiana where they were called Cajun. Their music and steps became more upbeat and evolved into a distinct style reflecting hope and commitment to life and community.
“From the East” is a movement study for 11 dancers choreographed by Rachel List, director of Hofstra’s dance program. The six movement sections are inspired by the eastern European flavor of the music of Eric Satie (Six Gnossiennes) and Bela Bartok (Romanian Folk Dances).
Choreographer Karla Wolfangle has created two short dances for Hofstra’s fall faculty concert. The first is titled “Long Walk Home” and the second is “Noises in the Wall.” She is intrigued by the talented musical group Rachel’s and has used their music for both pieces. One features high energy and is movement oriented and the other is quiet and surreal.
Amy Marshall’s latest work is entitled “Shakambhari.” This work is inspired by a story of the Hindu goddess who once had to defend herself and the people over a drought caused by the Demon, Durgamasur. A fight between the Demons and the Goddesses ended when Shakambhari struck down Durgamasur with five arrows, lifting the curse of the drought. Marshall has created movement and characters to help translate the story for the stage.
“Blood Memories” is choreographed by Dyane Harvey-Salaam and is dedicated to those who came before, whose DNA links us forever. Black, white, enslaved, indentured, and “owner,” all have suffered the effects of man’s inhumanity to man. We bear witness to Harriet Tubman, one of our greatest conductors on the Underground Railroad, as she transports travelers including babies and elders, never losing one.
The Hofstra University Department of Drama and Dance provides its students with the opportunity to develop and hone their skills as performers, and deepen their appreciation for the arts. The Dance Program offers two undergraduate degrees: a BA in Dance, and a BS in Education, Dance Education.
Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday; and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $12; $10 for senior citizens (over 65) or matriculated, non-Hofstra students with I.D. Members of the Hofstra community may receive up to two free tickets upon presentation of a current HofstraCard.
For tickets call 16-463-6644 Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m. or purchase online at Hofstratickets.com. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door by cash or check only, starting 90 minutes prior to show time.
