After a semester hiatus, the Dance majors are back to blogging about all of the amazing opportunities we have as artists at Loyola. Keep reading to learn about the busy Fall semester we had, and click here to read our most recent post on gender and dance.
1.) The Midwest Convening on Physically Integrated Dance – Oct 1
One of the first large events of the semester, the midwest convening brought together a diverse group of Chicago artists to learn more about the field of physically integrative dance and to engage in discourse on the topic. Launched by faculty member, Sarah Cullen Fuller, along with Dance majors, Nicole Golonka and Gina Wrolstad, the midwest convening served as one of six regional meetings to help create an environment of dance accessible to all bodies. See the Midwest Convening website to learn more about the field of integrative dance.
2.) Cuba – Oct 11-17
This past October, four Dance majors and two alumni accompanied faculty member, Amy Wilkinson, to Havana, Cuba, where they created a dance film, took class at the National Arts School and experienced a new culture. Read senior Dance major, Becky Muellauer’s reflection on the process of creating the dance film:
On the last day in Cuba, we collaborated with the film students to make a dance film. We found a location in the middle of the street where a lot of people go to hangout, packed up the film equipment, costumes, and headed out to make this dance film. The film is of Amy Wilkinson’s creation, My Life Closed Twice. It was such a different experience than we usually get where we perform on a stage with separation between us and the audience. As we were dancing on the street though, there were times when a group of kids would skateboard through us, there were dogs all around, and there were people who would come and watch and then leave. It was definitely a challenge to not break character and not have our toes run over by skateboards and rollerblades, but the experience was amazing and so valuable. At the end of the piece we walk to the back, and instead of walking for a few seconds until the lights go out like we normally would onstage, we walked for about a whole minute, just down this populated walkway in the middle of Havana. Being in that moment and just walking with a clear mind and thinking of just being present was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip. I remember looking straight ahead with all of the trees around, seeing the beautiful architecture, hearing the conversations around us; it was truly amazing. Being a part of the dance film was one of the best things about this trip. I will definitely look back on it as a beautiful piece of art, but also a representation the wonderful memories created while on the trip to Cuba. ¡Viva Cuba! –Becky Muellauer
3) Framing Justice – Oct15
This social justice symposium, headed by Dance Director, Sandra Kaufmann, and Art History professor, Paula Wisotzki, explored the dance and visual artists of the modern era who used their creations as weapons against injustice. Keynote speaker, Andrew Hemingway, kicked off the two-day event that explored topics of racial, gender and economic equality, and culminated in an inspiring performance of dances from the 30s and 40s. Click here for photos.
4) Loyola Dance Day – Oct 22
This year, the Dance Honor Society hosted prospective dance students at Loyola during a day that consisted of campus tours, open rehearsals, lunch with the dance majors, an information session, alumni panel and ballet class with Director of Dance, Sandra Kaufmann. It was a wonderful experience to get to know the prospective students!
5) Improv Jam at LUMA – Oct 29
The Dance Honor Society organized its second annual improv jam — this time at the stunning Loyola Museum of Art! Immersed in the Spanish Colonial Art exhibit, dance majors improvised movement to student musicians, including the Music program’s brass quartet. Keep your calendars marked for the Honor Society’s second LUMA collaboration of the year: “The Dalang,” Saturday, April 8 and a Tuesday in March (TBD).
6) Dances of Death and Light – Dec 1-4
This year’s annual dance concert called into question whether beauty can redeem the evil acts of mankind. A culmination of the Dance program’s mission to promote social justice, Dances of Death and Light brought faculty, students and guest artist Brian McGinnis together in chilling, strengthening and heartwarming performance. Click here for photos.
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