The Dimensions Repertory Dance Company from Stephens College performed Thursday at Stotler Lounge.
The performance was presented by the MU’s Unions Arts Council, a group that brings art events to Memorial Union and the MU Student Center.
“There aren’t many opportunities for central art shows at Mizzou,” Union Arts Council President Mary Karl said. “Our goal is to grab people from different niches and bring them together.”
The Dimensions Repertory Dance Company performed nine works ranging from classical ballet to jump rhythm jazz. The performances began with examples of men’s and women’s character dances. Both excerpts were from the work “The Merry Widow.”
The evening continued with excerpts from the comedic ballet “Coppélia” that tells the story of a toy maker and his endeavors to bring to life a toy boy.
The more modern portion of the evening included four works choreographed by Stephens senior dance majors. Leah Franklin’s “1984” provided a mesmerizing visual as all of the dancers wore white masks. As the dubstep-type music played, the dancers individually took off their pants until there was a single dancer left.
The second student-choreographed work took the viewer into the world of the board game Clue. Senior Jamie Andes’s piece entitled “Clue” was a poetic version of the who-done-it story. With the death of a partygoer, dancers dressed as Mrs. Peacock and possible death scenarios of the victim were re-enacted. This included a candlestick crack to the head by Col. Mustard and a rope to the neck by Ms. Scarlett.
The next piece, called “Splinter,” was choreographed by senior Katharine Gibson. This modern piece told the story of a relationship between a man and woman, from falling in love to the painful breakup. Tuned to a contemporary folk song, “Splinter” was a beautiful yet tragic modern ballet work.
The fourth and final work of the program was a jump rhythm jazz performance called “Hey Pachuco,” which was choreographed by Raegan Polson. The piece was a high-energy and fast-paced jazz routine with a swinging feel and snapping beat.
“Our choreography program is so strong,” said Elizabeth Hartwell, a full-time ballet instructor at Stephens. “At Stephens we believe in passing technique from person to person. Our three-year intensive program, along with our wonderful teachers, creates an amazing program full of hardworking students. Our students work from seven to ten at night for six days a week.”
The Union Arts Council will continue to bring art venues to Memorial Union and the student center.
“I thought that the performance was a great opportunity for the arts to be introduced to the Mizzou community, and I hope to attend similar performances in the future” freshman Chelsea Kim said.
In March, the Union Arts Council will host the MU Swing Society and the MU Competitive Dance Team.