TODAY at 2 P.M.

Dance Visions

Van Duzer Theater

The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music and Theatre presents “Dance Visions” directed by Kyleigh Brine. Join us at the John Van Duzer Theatre April 17th–19th at 7:00pm and April 20th at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre. Tickets are $13 General, $8 Child/Senior, and Free for Cal Poly Humboldt students with ID.

From the director, Kyleigh Brine, “As I envisioned this Spring Dance Concert and began selecting choreographers, a theme emerged—one of connection. In a world that has recently felt fractured, I’ve come to realize that in times like these, turning to art and community is one way we can navigate the challenges around us. Dance, in its purest form, has the power to change lives, build bridges, and foster meaningful connections. With this in mind, my vision for Dance Visions quickly became about community. I am thrilled to include some of our vibrant dance community members in this concert, incorporating not only our talented dance faculty as choreographers and performers, but also performing guest artists from Ferndale Dance Academy, North Coast Dance, and Trillium Dance Studios. We are also honored to welcome guest choreographer and artistic director of Ferndale Dance Academy, Laura East. I am deeply grateful to our dance faculty, who not only dedicate their time and energy to teaching but also share their creative voices as choreographers in this performance. Their passion and artistry enrich our program in ways that are truly inspiring. And, to the student choreographers and production team members whose commitment and creativity has truly shone through in the work they’ve created this semester. My goal is to continue building a stronger relationship between our University and the broader community. It has been such a rewarding experience to witness this collaboration grow so organically this semester. Everyone involved in this concert has poured their hearts into this performance, and I have no doubt you will feel that passion in every movement. Thank you for being a patron of the arts and for supporting our bright, local dance community-here on campus and throughout Humboldt County. We hope to see you at the performances.”

Dances being performed are as follows:

as the Land breathes, choreographed by student choreographer Miriam Allen, is a modern-ballet piece that weaves together a dialogue between humanity and nature. The story opens in a misty field at dawn, golden sunbeams spill across the earth, awakening the land with quiet warmth as the dancers move in harmony with their surroundings, their bodies echoing the rhythms of the natural world. As the movement builds, unseen forces ripple through them testing the fragile balance between unity and separation, serenity and discord.

Te Quiero, choreographed by student choreographer Gabrielle Jones, is a tap piece with flamenco influence in honor of her Abuela’s adventure of finding community after leaving her small home town in Spain. The blend of tap footwork with flamenco arms is meant to symbolize the necessary adaptation to a new culture, without leaving your home behind. The intensity and flow of the piece is meant to mirror the ups and downs of navigating new friendships in a new country.

The Spaces Between Us, choreographed by student choreographer Makena Martin, is a contemporary piece born from personal loss and the journey that followed.
This is a continuation of her fall work and explores the significance of human connection in the face of change and grief. Each dancer is on their own path, navigating personal emotions and evolving intentions. Through movement and shared moments, they explore the balance between solitude and togetherness, working to embrace their newfound perspective on life.

Storyteller, choreographed by faculty choreographer Shoshanna, is a piece set to music created by Bay Area musicians Shoshanna has known and collaborated with for many years. It is a conversational interplay between musicians, dancers and the music, and between the dancers. The voluminous veils are the stories we tell, and the dancers are the dreamers of dreams and the tellers of stories that swirl, sway, and swell.

“The Twins,” choreographed by faculty choreographer Jandy Bergmann, is a contemporary dance inspired by the choreographer’s twin daughters. Twins are fascinating! In some cultures they are seen as ominous, and in others they are seen as auspicious. Twins in mythology are often cast as two halves of the same whole, powerful figures sharing a mystical bond deeper than that of ordinary siblings or seen as fierce rivals.

Beneath the Canopy, The River Speaks, choreographed by faculty choreographer Kyleigh Brine, is a contemporary dance suite composed of five pieces inspired by the rivers of Humboldt County. The movements reflect the various stages of a river’s journey, with individual pieces titled Headwaters, Channel, Riverbank, and Mouth. This performance will be featured again in collaboration with Global Water Dances, a biannual multinational event that brings together choreographers from around the world to create original works centered on local water sources, fostering a global connection between performers and audiences.

Life Goes On, choreographed by faculty member Linda Maxwell, is a contemporary-ballet dance using the music of the Beatles, exploring different aspects of life and the journey of life. This dance is a collaboration between Cal Poly Humboldt dancers and dancers from the North Coast Dance studio in Eureka. One dancer, Phoenix Jones, is both a dance major at the university, along with being a Company member at North Coast Dance. Jonny Wisan is an alumnus with a dance major from Humboldt State University.

Homecoming, choreographed by faculty choreographer Haylee Wolff, is a contemporary piece about the deep sense of connection to a place and people; essentially a feeling of being welcomed and accepted in a familiar and cherished place where you can be yourself without reservation. Haylee has recently returned home to Humboldt, and this piece has been a wonderful outlet that represents her own sense of belonging and love for the dance community here in “Homeboldt.”

Get a Move On!, choreographed by guest choreographer Laura East, is a Jazz piece inspired by the relentless pace of New York City and its urban landscape. Much of the movement is animated by body language reminiscent of comedic stars from the silent film era. The dance plays with our ideas of never having enough time and hints that perhaps the pressure to rush is ultimately absurd.

DATES/TIMES

• Today : 2 p.m.

WHERE

• Van Duzer Theater

PRICE

• $13
• $8 Children/Seniors
• Free Cal Poly Students with ID