Image credits to Skidmore’s Dance Department.
Senior dance research majors have been working particularly hard this semester, as this is the first time in the past two years that they will be able to present their capstones live and in person. Five research tract dance majors will present their works on Saturday, April 9th, at the Tang Teaching Museum. Their presentations will include a variety of film and live performances using different forms of media across the entire museum.
Samantha Retell ‘22 will be performing a solo choreographed by herself with a special guest appearance by a mighty friend. When interviewed by The Skidmore News, she shared how “emotional and humbling” this process has been. It was obvious when speaking to her that the passion she holds for dance, and the pride she has for her personal growth, will come through in her final piece.
Madelyn Barti ‘22 and Elizabeth Kalin ‘22 have been working with a group of fifteen dancers with disabilities, and their project incorporates both videos and live performances. The music that will be used throughout their performance comes from a variety of artists with disabilities and they have, "found a powerful parallel between dancers with disabilities dancing to music by artists with disabilities."
Jaden Nemetz ‘22 will be displaying a filmed dance project on his experience in the LGBTQ+ community and the many stories of individuals with this identity. Jaden's dance film is "his coming out story” and his exploration of the “enormous grey areas of being ‘out’ that are seldom acknowledged.” His video includes several dancers both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community and highlights how the lived experiences of people from all different identities are both accepted and rejected.
Taylor Johnson ‘22 has choreographed a piece on four dancers about "[her] journey as a Black woman in a white world while living with the challenges of being oppressed." Her performance is a cultivation of her strength, evolution of her individuality and passion for her work. Her devotion to her piece is poignant as she explained, “this piece was developed to show the important aspects, experiences, and stories that shaped me into the person I am today,” and it will not be one to miss.
What was particularly moving in reaching out to each of the dance seniors is the perseverance they displayed, and the support they have given to one another. In each of the conversations with the seniors, they all spoke about how challenging this process has been given its huge time commitment and mental hardship. However, many of them also spoke about how much they have gained from this experience. Johnson ‘22 shared that "the symposium show is one of a kind" and Retell ‘22 added that she “feels lucky to be sharing this experience with some of their closest friends.”
I hope the Skidmore community can come out and support these dancers in positive and fulfilling ways. As a dancer in Jaden Nemetz’s film, I also know that the event will not be one to miss. The ticket links are listed below!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/senior-coda-tang-symposium-tickets-264316235977
(3pm - Sat April 9th)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/senior-coda-tang-symposium-tickets-264338462457
(6pm - Sat April 9th)