FAIRMONT — Fairmont State University announces the upcoming performance of the West Virginia Dance Company (WVDC) at 7:30 p.m. today at Wallman Hall Theatre. Tickets are free.
Since 1977, the WVDC has toured throughout West Virginia, as well as 14 other states, with their professional arts-based learning programs. Performing for tens of thousands annually, the WVDC performs a thorough blend of entertaining and thought-provoking modern works. The music that accompanies the dance works is versatile in style and genre. Included in the program is original music by West Virginia composers.
WVDC will offer an evening of dance that will include several works that will exemplify the dancers as high-level athletes and artists. The first work of the evening is choreographed by Brazilian artist, Eluza Santos, “Black Beans with White Rice.” This is a whimsical work that explores the theory projected by Claude Levi-Strauss, a French anthropologist, who emphasized two common conditions in human nature, “raw” and “cooked” which he analogized to “food” and “meal.”
The dance is constructed with the idea that differences can be orchestrated and drastic opposition can be cancelled when people commune together and reach out for their common denominators and strive for understanding and respect of their cultural differences. Some Brazilian culture is demonstrated in this piece with the inclusion of samba and capoeira.
Donald Laney’s recently premiered contemplative work, “Evanescent” raises awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity and the challenges we face as our needs and causes intersect.
The last work of the evening, “Sarpashana,” is a highly physical work that explores the destructive force of any type of addiction in our lives and the role of fear that can lead to hate and anger.
Three different choreographer’s works connect this physical statement. Heather Taylor Martin’s work “Cyclical Compulsion” examines addiction, Donald Laney’s work “inSIDEout” examines anger and Toneta Akers-Toler’s work offers a positive solution.
Lighting design for all performances will be done by Fairmont State University’s theater professor, Troy Snyder.
Info: wvdanceco.com.
