Repertory Dance majors (and one non-major) at the Mississippi School of the Arts recently concluded a series of concert events for Spring Dance in the Black Box Theater. Seniors were responsible for the choreography and music synchronization of their dance pieces. The hard work of these students showed off during the concert, drawing numerous guests each night.
“We were given the task to choreograph our senior pieces and advance from our junior pieces. We were expected to go beyond our limits and put out a compositional work that shows our artistic ability,” said Devonna Curtis, a senior dance student and public relations director for the company.
Composition of dance started during junior year with 8-count phrasing, and has now advanced to 5-minute pieces. The juniors are beginning to choreograph their own pieces and solos. Their work will be performed at Junior Informal on April 12th. Senior dancers are beginning research projects, where they research historic and contemporary choreographers, and performers from ballet to modern. Senior work will be showcased on May 10th. “Throughout our two years at MSA, not only have I grown individually, but as a company. We help each other artistically by pushing one another to be a better version of ourselves,” said Curtis.
When asked about college choices, dance seniors are slowly coming to a final decision. The University of the Arts in Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Belhaven University are some of the choices mentioned. Curtis has committed to SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in New York.