Dance performance Nov. 9-11 displays talent of eight student choreographers and two guest choreographers, alumnae
Lisa Bottitta-Busfield and Caitlin Fell, with more than 70 dancers
Allentown, Pa. (Oct. 25, 2017) — Muhlenberg College dancers tell their stories through movement, as the Muhlenberg Theatre & Dance Department presents “Moving Stories,” a showcase for dance works created by emerging choreographers, Nov. 9-11 in the College’s Baker Theatre.
Artistic Director Randall Anthony Smith says the program will generate “deep conversations about the complexities of being human.”
“These choreographers are not only taking risks with their unique creative perspectives as artists, but also are challenging audiences to look beyond the moving body,” Smith says.
The concert will showcase the work of eight student choreographers as well as guest choreographers Lisa Bottitta-Busfield and Caitlin Fell. Bottitta-Busfield is an alumna of Muhlenberg’s dance program and currently teaches in the program as a part-time lecturer. She has also taught and choreographed throughout the Lehigh Valley and elsewhere across the country. Fell is a 2016 graduate of Muhlenberg, currently working in the Admissions Office as the assistant director of admissions and financial aid while she continues to pursue her interest in dance.
“Moving Stories” will feature more than 70 dancers from the department’s dance program, which is among the most highly regarded programs of its kind. The concert features costume and lighting designs by the department’s acclaimed professional staff.
The ten original dances include contemporary jazz, ballet-inspired, modern, and hip-hop infused works, investigating a variety of themes.
Inspired by feminist literature, choreographer Emily Ancona ’18 explores themes of women’s empowerment through sexuality.
“In terms of movement, I’m looking at using self-touch in a powerful rather than sexual way,” she says. “I’m using masculine costumes to critique the male gaze and the view we hold of women in society.”
Choreographer Alison Calamoneri ’18 derives influence for her piece from her experiences abroad in Arezzo, Italy.
“I learned a lot about myself and my personal individuality, but I also found how important it is to have people there to help you,” she says. “I’m trying to find a balance—in the piece and in my life—between independence and interdependence.”
“Moving Stories” runs Nov. 9-11 in the Baker Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St., Allentown.
Performances are Thursday and Friday, Nov. 9-10, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults; $8 for patrons 17 and under; and $8 for students, faculty and staff of all LVAIC colleges. For groups of 15 or more, tickets are $13.
Tickets and information are available at 484-664-3333 or muhlenberg.edu/dance.
The Mainstage performance series is produced by Muhlenberg College’s acclaimed Theatre & Dance Department, The Princeton Review consistently ranks Muhlenberg’s production program in the top 20 in the nation, including a No. 7 ranking in its current college guide. The Fiske Guide to Colleges lists both the theatre and dance programs among the top small college programs in the United States.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private, four-year residential college located in Allentown, Pa., approximately 90 miles west of New York City. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2200 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, education and public health. A member of the Centennial Conference, Muhlenberg competes in 22 varsity sports. Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Information provided to TVL by:
Scott Snyder
Marketing Manager
Muhlenberg College
Department of Theatre & Dance
2400 Chew Street
Allentown, PA 18104
