GRASS VALLEY, Calif. February 16, 2017 – Nevada Union High School’s Theatrical Dance Academy presents the 16th annual Student Choreography Showcase on Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 p.m. at the Don Baggett Theatre, located at 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley.
This year’s Showcase includes the theme “Making Connections,” dances inspired by history, math, science, poetry, visual arts, and more. Twelve advanced dancers have created original pieces in a variety of dance styles. They began rehearsals at the start of the school year, dedicating several weekends to teach and stage their works on a cast of their peers.
Before presenting each piece, the choreographers describe their inspiration and explain how their dance connects to another subject. Senior Kylie Capella opens the show with a piece combining her love of music and dance: she recorded her own version of Sia’s “Bird Set Free,” demonstrating her skills as a pianist and singer. When asked why she chose this song, Kylie explained, “I feel the message exhibited by the dance encapsulates the meaning of being free and not letting anyone clip your wings. The clear connection of my dance is to the music I created, but I also wanted to connect my interpretation of this song, which is rising above criticism and being the best you can be.” Several of the choreographers chose themes of empowerment and social activism. Junior Delaney Moseman created a piece to the spoken word poem “I am Not a Label” by Richard Williams. Delaney explains, “My goal with this piece is to promote social unity and equality, for now more than ever we need to come together as one and view ourselves as equals, and not live in fear of each other.” The show also includes more lighthearted themes, including junior Gracie Suenram’s playful rendition of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as sophomore Nevada Wadman’s dance “Be Like You,” inspired by The Jungle Book. Audience members of all ages will delight in the variety of musical selections and dance styles in this year’s Showcase.
Tickets are $10, $12, and $15, depending on seating location. All seating is reserved. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nevadauniondance.com. Tickets can also be purchased in the Don Baggett Theater lobby on February 20, 21, and 22 from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., and on show nights at the box office. The box office opens at 5:30 p.m. Online ticket sales close the morning of the performance so that we have time to prepare the box office. If you need to get tickets on the day of the show, you will need to purchase them at the box office. In person sales are cash or check only. For additional information, contact the Nevada Union Dance Department at (530) 273-4431 ext. 2103.