Dance ensemble showcases this week

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble will showcase modern dance this weekend in a kaleidescope of dance genres during its annual concert sponsored by the school of theatre and dance.

"Each piece is very different from the next, and they have a range of music from upbeat Cajun style, Radiohead, techno influences, as well as more rhythm-based sound," said senior Karen Jones, the stage manager for the concert. The seven pieces in the concert all will feature contemporary dance, according to Jones.

Shane O'Hara, the coordinator of the dance program and the artistic director of the company, said, "[The program] is a repertory concert because each piece is its own and they are not connected to each other." The pieces have their own meanings, and O'Hara advised not trying to connect them in any way.

There are two guest artist works. One of the works is O'Hara's own, and the other work features four students who were selected in the fall to perform in this concert, according to O'Hara.

"It is a really strong dance and musical concert; there are pieces for everyone," he said. O'Hara said the performance also will include modern works and dance theatre.

Designer Barry Gawinsky will manage the show's lighting. All costumes were designed and made by faculty and student designers.

Some noted the uniqueness of the concert as something that was very noticeable. "This concert is unique because it's very different than what most people perceive of dance. It has depth and meaning to each piece that evokes emotion and thinking out of the audience, and many of the pieces resonate with you long after you see the show," Jones said.

There are two other stage concerts during the year, O'Hara said. This concert, however, is unique in that it showcases the school of theatre and dance's main ensemble of dance majors, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble.

"I feel that this concert is a strong mix of dance styles and highlights the talents we have at JMU," Jones said. "If students are interested in seeing the dance their fellow students are creating and performing, it would be an amazing opportunity for them to come watch."

Tickets are $6 with a JAC card and $8 without and can be bought at the Masterpiece Season Box Office in Wilson Hall or at the Latimer-Schaeffer Theatre  Box Office. The concert will take place in Latimer-Schaeffer Theatre in Duke Hall Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.