Audiences can expect a range of styles at Fall Dance 2022

East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance is excited to welcome audiences to Fall Dance 2022 through Sunday.

Guests will have the opportunity to view a stunning display of dance styles; “there is something for everyone,” said director John Dixon, associate professor of dance.

“In the dance program we pride ourselves in presenting a wide range of dance styles in our concerts so that there is something for every audience member to enjoy and appreciate. This show is a great example of that commitment,” he said. “There are eight works ranging from upbeat tap and truly ‘rockin’ jazz dances to gorgeous ballet, athletic modern and intricate contemporary works to round out the show.”

Nearly 60 East Carolina University dance students will perform in the Fall 2022 Concert. (Photo by Rhett Butler)

Fall Dance 2022 is the culmination of hours of hard work by faculty, students and guests. Senior Nadia Magee is one of those who has put in incredible time and effort to the performance.

“She has created a stunning contemporary dance work full of rich imagery and detailed visual patterns while exploring the presence of judgment and prejudice in our lives,” Dixon said.

While balancing school and choreographing a performance, Magee has helped create a performance that has meaning and evokes emotion in the audience and performers, he said.

“Nadia is a truly gifted young choreographer with a knack for making work that cuts to the heart of issues, ideas and feelings and this piece feels incredibly important to this moment in our society,” Dixon said.

With almost 60 dance majors and minors performing in the show, students have been working to bring their all to the stage and make it the best experience for the audience. The design and production crews are ready to immerse the viewers into the show, Dixon said.

Dixon added that he takes pride in how everything comes together, and that it would not be possible without the dedication and passion in each performer, choreographer and crew member. “Our dance concerts are truly collaborative events, and the beautiful dancing and top-notch production values are the result of hundreds of hours of work along with the deeply inspired artistic contributions of all involved,” he said.

Fall Dance 2022 is the first of two biannual concerts this year. This performance includes choreography from Jayme Host, Jessica Teague, Britt Juleen-Gonzalez, Richard Smith, Tommi Galaska, Dirk Lumbard, John Dixon and Nadia Magee.

“All of it is in service of one simple goal — to give our audiences a one-of-a-kind experience of dance art in performance that they can only get by joining us at the theater,” Dixon said.

Performances will be in Messick Theatre Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

To view the schedule, learn more about upcoming performances or to purchase tickets for the Fall Dance 2022, visit https://theatredance.ecu.edu/.