lofshulthj@lopers.unk.edu
The UNK Dance Department has been hard at work preparing their spring dance concert. The production featured astonishing work by faculty members as well as select students.
According to the UNK website, “RESET speaks to finding breath in the chaotic, isolating and often disheartening, seeking instead opportunities for new insights and self-reflection in a moment of growth.”
The concert featured 19 performers from UNK, along with student and faculty designers. There were 12 pieces presented in total, including the Community Project/Solo Series.
Faculty choreographers include Noelle Bohaty, the director of the dance program, and Leslie Abegglen, a dance faculty member. Student choreographers include Allyson Fricke, Hannah Petersen, Rebekah Petersen, Emma Newman, Morgan Wadkins-Meyer and Julia Young.
Bohaty said her family is an inspiration behind her dancing, and she dedicated her pieces to her mother, father and sister. Her pieces revolved around isolation, frustration and looking forward to a brighter future.
To many dancers, this dance concert was a first. For one, it was the last.
Lexi Powell, a senior theatre major, took part in what would be her final dance performance at UNK.
“I loved dancing here,” Powell said. “I’ve met some amazing people and I’ll be sad to leave them. “
Powell performed in three dance pieces, including two faculty choreographed pieces.
“Rehearsals killed me, but I’m really happy with how everything turned out,” Powell said. “I definitely cried after the last performance. I can’t wait to graduate, but I don’t want to leave the dance department behind.”
The final dance piece, “OVER, SOMEWHERE,” featured 11 dancers all in brightly colored trench coats. Bohaty had only one way to advertise the piece.
“What more could you want than rainbow colored trench coats?”
Performers did not wear masks on stage and followed strict protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Performances took place March 4-6 in the Miriam Drake Theatre in the Fine Arts Building. A livestream was available on March 5 and 6.
The arts continue to help students and faculty alike during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s so easy to get caught up in what we can’t have — what we don’t have,” Bohaty said. “How do we get over there when we’re here? Remember that we will get through it. We’re going to keep dancing the whole way. We’re artists. We’re resilient. We’re going to figure it out. I hope people find some hope in that.”
