Weekend DanceTCU performances to feature original choreography, guest artist music

A large variety of works ranging from modern dance to classical ballet will be featured in this semester’s DanceTCU concert.

The DanceTCU concert, put on each semester by the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance, features works choreographed by faculty and guest artists and performed by dance majors, according to the school’s website.

Suki John, assistant professor of dance, said the concert would be a valuable experience for the TCU community.

“Dance is one of those things everybody can relate to. You don’t have to understand dance, you just have to experience it,” John said.

Junior ballet major Sara Paull said this semester’s DanceTCU concert would feature five pieces, including pieces choreographed by John and Professor of Professional Practice Li-Chou Cheng.

John said one piece she choreographed, “Wall of Babel,” will feature live music.

“This work is very exciting to me because it is new, and I’ve been working on it for a while,” John said. “So now, it’s finally going to be on stage, and I’m really interested to see how it looks.”

Other pieces in the show include the third act of “Swan Lake” and a piece choreographed by TCU alumna Carrie Hanson, John said. Several music compositions, including a piece composed by Till Meyn, associate professor of theory and composition, also will be featured.

Junior ballet major Ashley Bomm said KT Niehoff also would be featured as a guest choreographer in this semester’s concert. Her piece features unique patterns and lighting.

“I enjoy showing my friends what my major is all about and what I enjoy spending my time doing,” Bomm said.

Paull said another piece in the show, “4Elements,” was choreographed by guest choreographer Armando Luna from Atlanta Ballet. “4Elements” gives TCU dance majors the chance to dance together and have a fun time learning the piece, she said.

A lot of preparation and rehearsing goes into making a quality show, Paull said.

“We want to look professional on the stage and give TCU a good name,” she said.

Paull said her favorite part of being in the show was showing students, teachers and the Fort Worth community what dance at TCU is all about and, as well, as showing the talent of the dancers.

John said the concert’s audience should include students and faculty as well as the Fort Worth community.

“We hope to attract TCU students but, also, people from the community who are interested in dance and music,” John said.

DanceTCU

When: 8 p.m. Friday
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Scott Theatre at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Admission: Free with TCU ID, $5 for non-TCU students with ID, $10 general admission
No advance sales, tickets sold at door.