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(10/22/14 8:01pm)
Choreography I and II students showcased their choreography projects Oct. 16-17 for small audiences in the Center for the Arts during the fall Choreography Salon. The audience was asked to provide feedback for the students’ works in progress.
All four performances showed several Choreography I and II pieces with duets, solos and group numbers.
Each of the pieces demonstrated geometric patterns in movements and transitions. From angular body shapes to sequences across the floor, each student exemplified a sense of geometric awareness in the choreography.
Even so, each work of choreography was starkly different from the rest. The variety in musical accompaniment, costumes, number of dancers and props fostered a sense of artistic individuality and maturity.
Choreography I student sophomore Allison Dyke, featured two dancers in her piece called “Leagues. And then…” Both dancers, Hallee Bernstein and Lucas Melfi, began the piece by creating angular patterns in the studio space with their bodies without music.
Eventually, violin music joined the dancers and solidified the solemn atmosphere of the piece. In the first part of the piece, Bernstein and Melfi did not come in contact with each other, but they delivered a powerful moment came when they finally interacted, Bernstein lifted Melfi in a powerful moment.
The teamwork between the dancers was apparent as the music changed to a more upbeat tone. The remainder of the piece continued to highlight the athletic abilities of Bernstein and Melfi as they utilized various levels of the space.
Likewise, Choreography II student junior Nicole Ivan showcased five dancers in her piece, “For a Second.” All of the dancers were dressed in tight black clothing and demonstrated powerful movements and formations across the floor.
The dancers in Ivan’s choreography were technically sound, and Ivan truly captured their strengths. Their beautiful lines were highlighted throughout the choreography in their extensions and arm movements.
The percussive nature of the music generated a steady rhythm that complemented the pulsing movements of the dancers.
The dynamic steps were coupled by moments of stillness that created a visually appealing work of artistic merit.
Audience members vocalized constructive criticism after the performances. The interaction between the choreographers and audience members produced intellectually stimulating discussion regarding the choreographic structure and nature of the pieces shown.
The choreographers will spend the rest of the semester developing their pieces and will make adaptions based on the feedback they received.
Overall, the performances were engaging and demonstrated that the choreographic process is most definitely a process that matures over time.
(10/07/14 7:45pm)
Students taking choreography I and II will be performing “Works in Progress Choreography Salon” for a small audience in Studio A in the Center for the Arts Oct. 16 and 17. The purpose of the performance is for students to receive feedback before showcasing the finished piece at the end of the semeseter.
(10/02/14 12:02am)
Starting on Oct. 2, Elon University students will showcase the first performance of the play “Reckless” in the Black Box Theatre.
Written in 1983 by Craig Lucas, “Reckless” is a dark comedy that follows main character Rachel, who learns her husband has hired someone to kill her. What follows is a series of adventures where Rachel learns more about herself and the world.
Kirby Wahl, associate professor of performing arts and director of “Reckless” commented that this play is humorous, while allowing the audience to step away and think about the darker themes.
“It has an absurdist inclination, but it’s not really that kind of play,” he said. “There is meaning to be found in the play.”
For Rachel, her experiences serve as a journey of self-discovery. Initially, she views the world through an optimistic lens, but she experiences a paradigm shift throughout the play.
“Her ‘Pollyanna’ view of the world is definitely challenged throughout the course of the story,” Wahl said.
Sophomore acting major Nicole Bloom was cast as Rachel and said she has grown from portraying a character like Rachel.
“My character, Rachel, is a bit of a goofball at times. Immersing myself into her world has, among other things, allowed me to feel more comfortable with my own sense of humor,” she said. “I’ve kind of fallen in love with Rachel’s zest for life, and exploring how she views the world has definitely had an impact on me as an actor.”
Auditions for “Reckless” and “Titanic” were held simultaneously on the first day of classes. Acting and musical theater majors primarily auditioned for each, although anyone could audition.
Students could only be in one performance because the rehearsals, which began the following week once casting had been announced, conflicted with each other.
During the audition process, Wahl wrote a list of descriptors for each character and actively chose students who embraced those qualities.
“‘Reckless’ is very well-cast,” Wahl said. “That is sometimes said to be the director’s most important task. They [the actors] brought a keen intelligence to the script.”
He said he was ultimately pleased with the eight members and eight understudies he selected to be cast.
Some actors were required to embody a wide spectrum of qualities. In the case of senior acting major Kimmi Johnson, she adapted to six different roles as each of Rachel’s therapists.
“Each therapist has her own physical quirks, theories and speech patterns,” Johnson said. “The second, third and fourth doctors I play each speak with different accents. It was at first challenging to delve into each character. Now that we are using costumes and props, it has become much easier to separate all six.”
“Reckless” cast and crew will have 24 four-hour blocks of rehearsal time to bring the entire show together.
One of the challenges the cast faced was this short span of rehearsal time. Additionally, this process takes up a majority of the students’ time.
“This fall is one of the most academically challenging semesters in the acting program, and so I’ve had to balance my time as best I can,” Bloom said. “You do have to spend extra time outside of rehearsal when working on a show like this, especially on memorizing lines.”
Wahl claimed he can see growth from the actors in just the few weeks of working on this play.
He is looking forward to having the students shine in their roles.
“Everybody in the cast brought something really helpful to the project,” he said. “Their understanding of the roles is much more nuanced now.”
Wahl added he hoped the audience will be responsive to those nuances. The reaction from the audience impacts the actors. Engaged audiences often generate better quality performances.
Likewise, Wahl hopes the audience enjoys the performance but encourages them to think critically about the performance afterwards.
“The play, for the most part, is fun and full of surprises, but it’s very much about Rachel’s effort to determine if the universe is benevolent and supports happiness and self-realization, or if it is a frightening place of chaos and unpredictability,” Wahl said. “All of that sounds heavy, but it’s a pretty funny show.”
(09/24/14 10:24pm)
Elon University Dance Company presented its first performance of the year, Dance in the Landscape, Sunday Sept. 21 on the lawn of the Center for the Arts in Pardue Court. Every year, this performance is held during Family Weekend to showcase the first-years and several upperclassmen students.
This annual tradition began when the dance faculty agreed that performing outside the theater on Elon’s campus would be a great utilization of the natural settings. The location varies each year. In years past dancers have performed on the grass in the Academic Village and in front of Koury Business Center.
The choreography is not developed until the first-year class has arrived. As a result, the choreography varies depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the class of 2018.
“I have an idea, and then when I meet them the first day in rehearsal, I try to play around with the idea and see how that can work with them,” said Jason Aryeh, assistant professor of dance. “I love seeing the development of the freshmen in a very short period of time.”
Given the accelerated preparation time, Aryeh pushes the first-year dancers to demonstrate what they are capable of achieving. He encourages them to take risks in rehearsals and to bond as a group to develop teamwork in the classroom and on stage.
Aryeh’s modern choreography required the dancers to execute precise technique. Performing outside capitalized on the students’ athletic abilities as they jumped, collapsed to the ground and created elongated lines in their movements. They took advantage of multiple levels of the performance space.
First-year dance major Abby Corrigan said the experience united the first-years.
“We all come from different places around the country and focus on different styles,” she said. “By diving in and putting together a piece in our first few weeks here, we really got to know each other, both as people and as dancers.”
The outdoor setting is a challenging aspect of the show. Weather conditions can affect the performance. Also, a dancer’s movement quality needs to match the space.
“It’s like dancing but times 10 compared to what you would do in a theater,” Sandler said. “You really want to utilize the space you’re given.”
Corrigan said she hoped the audience could perceive the joy generated from the dancers. All of the dancers incorporated their own steps into Aryeh’s choreography, making the performance a collaborative effort.
Senior and Assistant Artistic Director of the show Heather Sandler choreographed a piece for the upperclassmen to kick off the performance. Though she has participated in Dance in the Landscape every year things were a bit different this year.
“I really tried to challenge myself and do something new with choreography that I’ve never done before,” Sandler said.
Her modern, contemporary piece was “sultry-inspired,” derived from the tango. The piece included many jumps and Latin-American character movements, such as placing flexed hands above the head.
Sandler added she saw genuine transformation from the first-years as she watched them grow as dancers this semester.
“It’s hard when you’re a freshman and going away for the first time,” Sandler said. “I think it’s good for them and really gets them out of their comfort zone.”
(09/18/14 1:54pm)
Limelight Music Group, Elon University’s record label, just concluded its annual auditions last Thursday in its new location at Trollinger House. Limelight plans to sign approximately three musical groups.
The audition process included musical groups performing several songs for Limelight staff and executive board members. Immediately afterwards, the board members asked questions from the musicians regarding their goals, if original content had been produced and what music inspired them.
“We want to be diversified and appeal to all types of people, but overall, what’s going to matter the most is the talent type,” said Limelight president, senior Dean Shapero.
Final decisions will be announced later this week.
Patrick Gunning, senior and head of Limelight’s marketing and public relations, expressed similar sentiments.
“We definitely want to get a band, a rapper and possibly a DJ,” Gunning said. “Honestly, it really depends on who sounds the best and who we think we can really market to the Elon community and beyond.”
Since becoming an official club in the spring of 2013, the record label has increased its efforts to prepare Elon students for careers in the music industry. Shapero is dedicated to expanding its role, not just as a club, but as a network.
Shapero became involved with Limelight the fall of his sophomore year in 2012, two years after it began as an unofficial organization in 2010.
“I’ve known my entire life that I wanted to go into music,” Shapero said. “I feel like that is the case for a lot of kids here.”
Likewise for Gunning, Limelight provided an outlet to stay involved with music while at Elon. He previously had played in a band during high school, and Shapero connected him with Limelight staff to become involved musically in college.
With Limelight increasing its professional endeavors, junior Valerie Reich, head of management, said she hopes to continue building its brand and find a “fresh group of talent” this year.
“As long as the musician is driven and unique, they have a place with us here at Limelight,” she said.
Limelight intends to release several albums, produce music videos and hold festivals and showcase performances this year. Many of its artists worked on creating their own music this summer and are now ready to record and produce their material.
Shapero noted that he would like to involve Limelight in professional experiences and assist those who are graduating with their launch into the music industry.
“We got a lot of great traction last year, so I say we’ll carry on our artists,” he said.
The ultimate goal is to find talented artists and provide them with the resources necessary to succeed. Gunning said he felt Limelight was obligated to seek Elon musicians and guide them through the early stages of their music careers.
“There’s so much talent on this campus, and, personally, I think it’s Limelight’s duty to give these talented artists a medium to get their voices out there and be heard,” he said.
(09/11/14 3:00pm)
Two Elon University seniors launched their own online literary publication called The Fem Lit Mag. Rachel Lewis and Autumn Spriggs, both members of Elon Feminists for Equality, Change & Transformation, wanted to create an outlet for feminist voices to be heard.
(09/02/14 8:15pm)
Fall 2014 introduced many changes for the performing arts department, including the opening of a new performing arts building, Scott Studios, in August. Located next to Arts West, Scott Studios includes practice spaces, a large rehearsal studio and a new performance theater.
The idea for this performing arts building began several years ago. President Leo Lambert suggested renovating the Gerald L. Francis Center home of Elon University’s School of Health Sciences, but structural issues with the building prevented the project from coming to fruition.
Instead, alternative locations on campus were examined. The space next to Arts West seemed like an ideal location to proceed with construction.
“It’s really an arts corner,” said Fred Rubeck, chair of the performing arts department, explaining how Arts West and Scott Studios complement each other.
The building’s construction faced some challenges early on, primarily because of inclement weather. In the spring, several snow and ice storms delayed the start date.
“We felt pretty good about finishing it in time for class,” Rubeck said.
Performing arts majors began using the space for their classes August 26.
Scott Studios includes six practice studios for piano and voice students and houses a rehearsal studio with the same dimensions of McCrary Theatre. Now when there is a show being performed in McCrary, students have the opportunity to rehearse in a studio the same size.
The studio is decked out with wood floors, mirrors and ballet barres to equip a variety of performing arts majors.
Another new addition, the performance theater, is similar to the Black Box Theatre. The new theater is estimated to seat up to 175 people, whereas the original Black Box Theater seats less than 100. The theater also features LED lighting, an energy-efficient innovation.
Both black box theaters will be used this semester. Rubeck said that performances may occur simultaneously and allow the casts more time to prepare.
“It gives them an appropriate set of spaces,” Rubeck said. “It will allow us to do different kinds of shows than we would have in the smaller studio.”
Scott Studios also maintains a large storage and working space, allowing sets to be stored in the space provided in the building, rather than being destroyed. Dressing rooms for men and women are also included.
The performing arts department has a storage space in Gibsonville where props and set pieces are stored and normally set pieces would have to be destroyed but now with the new storage in Scott Studios this problem has been resolved.
The space will also make tech reherasals easier, and enhance the quality of blackbox shows. Students can produce more shows now.
The building is set apart from the rest of Elon’s campus because of its modern architecture, which Rubeck and others refer to as “edgy-Elon.” With shiny gray and black floors and colorful walls, the building exudes a contemporary flair.
Students are impressed with the space. Rubeck said many of them have expressed their excitement about the building opening.
“It’s incredible. It’s literally been designed for us, and the spaces are just so well-equipped,” said sophomore Harrison Johnson, an acting major.
Additionally, this building is anticipated to attract more students to Elon. Rubeck said recruitment for all performing arts programs will likely increase.
There is also a “pride factor” for Rubeck and others who benefit from the new building. Students are appreciative of the new facility and grateful that new practice spaces are available.
The building was specifically designed with the performing arts students in mind, which allows the building to cater to their needs.
“It is such a joy to go to a school where I feel like the growth of my department matters, and this state-of-the-art space is something else that shows how our program is expanding,” said sophomore acting major Spencer Hodges.
(08/27/14 5:46pm)
Senior Powell Mansfield will be kicking off the first SUBLive show of the year in Irazu Coffee Shop August 29 at 8 p.m. with a stand-up comedy routine, “Everybody Needs to Calm Down.”
The show will include comedic stories and personal accounts revolving around life at Elon University.
Stand-up comedy is something relatively new for Mansfield. This summer, he attended Elon in LA and knew he wanted to incorporate stand-up comedy as part of his experience. After an audition in LA, where he performed three minutes of material, he was booked on the spot for a show.
As the summer progressed, he met other comedians and continued gaining experience by booking more shows. Mansfield even had the opportunity to perform at the Comedy Store, a venue in LA where stars, including Jay Leno, Dane Cook and Eddie Murphy have performed.
In all, Mansfield performed on five different occasions at a variety of clubs and venues.
After the summer, Mansfield began thinking of ways to bring his stand-up comedy to Elon.
“If I can succeed here in LA and get good feedback, I can certainly do a show at Elon,” Mansfield said. “I have a good talent at storytelling and I’m excited to bring that to a stage in a comedic way.”
Mansfield approached SUB to arrange a show at Elon. SUBLive executives Lauren Schuessler and Charles Racioppo recognized the benefits of showcasing an Elon student’s talent and said they hope to draw a more “student-friendly” genre of SUBLive performances as a result. Mansfield is the first student comedian to perform for a SUBLive show.
“It is exciting to have a fellow Elon student being showcased because the crowd will be able to relate more with him,” Racioppo said.
In preparation for shows, Mansfield keeps notes on his phone where he jots down ideas. On the day of his shows, he reviews the topics he has selected and constructs a plan to elaborate on his ideas, depending on how he is feeling that day. He said he is prepared to talk about “anything and everything” with his audiences.
Mansfield said he especially appreciates genuine and honest humor and incorporates that into his stand-up. Most importantly, Mansfield enjoys making fun of himself. Performing in Irazu for friends, classmates and fellow students allows him the ability to capitalize on these elements.
“I have a philosophy where I’m never embarrassed, and I think that’s translated very well into my comedy,” he said, explaining his personal sense of humor. “I think that when you’re honest about yourself and your own flaws, it makes for more interesting stories.”
This was not always the case for Mansfield. Prior to attending college, he had a serious outlook on life. His humor began to develop during college and has now impacted all aspects of his life.
“It’s a new revelation about college. Life is much more enjoyable now,” Mansfield said, describing how his perspective has changed at college and how humor has affected him. This inspired Mansfield to reach a broader audience.
The primary hallmark of Mansfield’s stand-up routine will be the focus on Elon. Mansfield said Elon students are inclined to relate because each university has its own “quirks.” He plans to identify those topics and create material that is relatable while preserving the personal aspect of the show.
“It is by no means going to be an appropriate show, but we’re all college students, so I think we can handle it,” Mansfield said, elaborating on the content he plans to perform. He said he hopes the audience leaves feeling content and ready for a great weekend.
As a media arts and entertainment major, Mansfield wishes to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He is open to various possibilities, including writing television scripts or acting in a sitcom. “Everybody Needs to Calm Down” provides him with experience and preparation for his future.
“I want to do anything and everything that has to do with making people laugh,” Mansfield said. “I don’t know if any immediate success will come from this show, but that’s not what I’m looking for. I’m doing this for me.”
(07/03/14 5:20pm)
My heart pumps patriotism through every vein. I embrace American ideals and values at the core of my composition.
(05/06/14 6:24pm)
The Elon Music Ambassadors will perform an anthology of European music for their spring concert, “Postcards from Europe,” at 7:30 p.m. May 11 in McCrary Theatre.
The versatile ensemble will be performing an eclectic selection of pieces including Gypsy jazz, Spanish Flamenco and the Beatles.
“There really will be something for everyone at this concert,” said Virginia Whittaker, director of Elon Music Ambassadors.
Each semester, the ensemble is given a specific theme, and students choose pieces that relate. Students spend the first half of the semester developing the musical arrangement and the second half rehearsing.
“I feel like they are really taking ownership because they’ve been involved from the very beginning,” Whittaker said.
Now in its fourth year, Elon Music Ambassadors serves two purposes. First, the ensemble provides students the opportunity to perform for a variety of events, from Elon alumni gatherings to tours on the East Coast after exams each semester. Second, it allows Elon music faculty to recruit high school students for the music department.
As a result, the ensemble is very selective. Elon music faculty specifically nominate each of the ten members.
The nature of the ensemble trains students to perform in a variety of settings, from a crowded band room to a formal hall, cultivating a level of professionalism and familiarity with performance.
“In the past, I have typically performed in larger ensembles where the focus is on the group as a whole,” junior Lianna Mills said. “Since there are only ten of us on stage, I have learned the importance of stage presence.”
Likewise, students’ musical abilities are challenged as they learn music theory and teach others to play new instruments. Because of the unique variety of instrumentation, it is not uncommon for students to try a new instrument to produce a more complete sound. Students gain teaching experience as a result.
Sophomore Jack Garno said the process has been rewarding, as he has gotten to know other members of the ensemble.
“We all can push each other musically to sound the best we can as a unit,” he said.
The reaction the ensemble receives from the audience is one of the most fulfilling moments, Whittaker said. For the spring show, Whittaker said she hopes the audience is inspired and moved by the performance.
“I would like them to feel like they’ve just experienced a taste of Europe through music. I want people to walk out of there and just feel great,” Whittaker said. “This is why we do what we do. This is why we’re musicians.”
(04/29/14 8:38pm)
Julie Crothers lets nothing stand in the way of achievement. A senior Elon College Fellow, she is majoring in dance and arts administration. She performed her final dance research project, “Performing Self: An Evening of Dance and Conversation,” in Studio A in the Center for the Arts.
The April 24 performance was the culmination of two years of research, largely influenced by her interest in autobiographical performance. As Crothers explained in her brief introduction, she was born without a left forearm and had previously danced with a prosthetic arm.
Not anymore. In the 20-minute solo, Crothers told her story through dance.
The solo began with a long pause as sounds of water running and seagulls filled the studio. Suddenly, Crothers collapsed to the floor but powerfully caught herself in a sustained pose. The piece included extensive floor work as she moved her body into various shapes and positions.
Then, Crothers began to speak as she danced. She expressed her thoughts as a child, how she prayed every day her arm would grow and how she longed to do ordinary tasks and learn how to French braid her own hair.
“Maybe like magic, it would grow,” Crothers said between movements. “Or maybe not. It didn’t happen.”
She shared her initial desire to fit in and her eventual acceptance of the qualities that make her unique.
“Thus, independence grows out of a need to self suffice,” she said toward the end of the solo. “This is all I’ll ever have. And this is all I’ll ever need. This is me.”
Crothers then stood and faced the audience as she began an incredible task: She French-braided her hair with only her right hand.
“Each time I see it, it becomes more and more impactful,” said Lauren Kearns, head of the Performing Arts Dance Program and Crothers’ mentor, commenting on how she has seen this project develop.
Crothers showed the audience several poster boards that highlighted various aspects of her project. Included were pages of diary entries and notes on her choreography.
This current path is not the one Crothers originally saw herself on. When she came to Elon, said she hoped to study dance from a pedagogy perspective so she could teach one day, but did not have professional aspirations.
The turning point for Crothers was at the Bates Dance Festival in Maine during a summer internship in 2012 when she discovered the freedom of dancing without a prosthetic arm.
“It was just something I knew needed to happen. I wasn’t satisfied with the dancer that I was,” Crothers said, explaining while it was a sudden decision, it served as the foundation for her research to commence.
It was a monumental shift for Crothers, who now has embraced her unique qualities and is pursuing a career as a professional dancer.
“I hope to continue doing my own thing,” Crothers said. “I’m definitely going to perform with someone somewhere.”
(04/15/14 6:26pm)
Kicking off the spring a cappella season, female a cappella group Sweet Signatures held their annual spring concert in a jam-packed Whitley Auditorium on April 12.
(03/19/14 5:59pm)
The Elon Dance Company held its annual spring dance concert titled “Looking Back to Spring Forward.” The concert was held in McCrary Theatre and featured a collection of six contemporary and modern pieces choreographed by dance faculty members and guest choreographers.
(02/12/14 6:35pm)
Whitley Auditorium burst at the seams with excitement Feb. 7 while unveiling an anthology of African works of art performed by Elon University students to celebrate Black History Month.