The Dance Composition II course put on its final showing of “Crossing Borders,” which is composed of pieces choreographed by students.
Karissa Jacobs, a dance major, said every student in the course will perform in the final showing based on their previous pieces.
“We chose something that sparked our interest through the semester that we wanted to continue working on for this final project,” Jacobs said.
Belle Baggs, instructor of the course, said she encourages her students to explore a genre of dance that they are interested in for the final showing.
“What this class is all about is kind of getting out of your own comfort zone and getting out of your own box of what you already know about dance choreography and take that extra step across the border,” Baggs said.
Students are not required to have music in their performance and many pieces are performed to speeches, an auditory book or even silence.
Morgan Trewin, a dancer in the class, said it has been a useful experience for her because it gives students a chance to re-choreograph a previous piece.
“It’s kind of a great way to build a community because you’re forced to expand and let yourself go,” Trewin said. “Everybody starts to understand their own style.”
This is Baggs’ first year at the University of Idaho and she said she is really proud of what her students have accomplished.
“I feel like the students have been quite open in this class to embracing new forms of movement and to embracing improvisation,” Baggs said. “I think through that openness they’ve grown a lot.”
Jacobs said every dancer’s performance will be different, based on the project they choose, but every piece will have a modern element to it.
“We’ve all worked really hard on these pieces and put a lot of time in rehearsals,” Jacobs said. “I think it will be fun.”
Baggs said “Crossing Borders” appeals to a wide audience and anybody interested in looking at a different perspective of a performance.
“It’s really based on improvisation,” Baggs said. “It’s exciting to see.”
Becky Davis can be reached at [email protected]