Photo of Colorado Mesa University dance major performing her mesmerizing solo Dissonance. Rena choreographed this solo as part of her capstone research that was presented in May 2023 and then was invited to perform it during the CMU Danceworks concert in November 2023. She explored this work through an independent study with me and I truly enjoyed witnessing not only how she explored artistic intent as a choreographer but also her dynamic presence as a dancer. The consistent response to the work has been that it was captivating and haunting and there was a recognition of Rena's unique voice as a choreographer. I selected this work for adjudication at the 2024 Northwest Regional American College Dance Association Conference at Weber State College. The performance and choreography were very well-received with adjudicators describing the work as compelling and that Rena was an incredibly invested performer who "filled the stage". Rena commanded the stage which is not easy to do when the movement vocabulary is an exploration of
nuance, repetition, and minimalism.
She is now the artistic director of Ruiz Arts in La Junta, CO.
Photo of Colorado Mesa University dancers performing Organic, choreographed by dance major Mallory Christopher. Dancers shown are Doran Kelsey, Antwone Blagg, Caitlin Lawson, Camden Adams, Corrine Nelson, and Lauren Gram. This piece premiered in the CMU Danceworks concert in November 2023. In this work Mallory was exploring the Fibonacci sequence and translated her discoveries into a movement vocabulary that was highly specific and compelling. I selected the piece to be presented in an informal concert at the 2024 Northwest Regional American College Dance Association Conference at Weber State College. Sharing her work outside of CMU and Grand Junction has been an important part of Mallory's journey as an emerging artist and her growth has been a pleasure to witness.
Photo of Colorado Mesa University dancers performing The Art of Letting Go, choreographed by dance minor Bella Espinoza. Dancers are Caitlin Lawson, Kara Farmer, and Lauren Gram. Bella is a Graphic Design major and Dance minor at CMU and she adjudicated this trio for presentation in the CMU Danceworks concert in November 2023. Bella had such a clear vision for this work but was also incredibly receptive to feedback and created a trio that was thoughtful, moving, and beautifully executed by the dancers. She addressed emotional complexity with subtlety and clarity that one would expect from a more seasoned choreographer.
Photo of Colorado Mesa University dancers performing Translocation choreographed by dance minor Kara Farmer. Dancers are Bella Espinoza, Anna Johnston, and Mallory Christopher. Kara graduated in 2024 with a BA in Graphic Design and a Dance Minor. They adjudicated this trio for presentation in the CMU Danceworks concert in November 2023. Kara's journey with this work had many twists and turns as they explored various compositional devices and clarified artistic intent. Through the creative process, Kara landed on imagery around translocation, which is a genetic mutation involving chromosomes breaking off and attaching to another chromosome. The movement vocabulary that emerged offered a unique interpretation of this process and the inclusion of shadowy lighting enhanced the overall effect. Their journey became a lesson regarding the importance of letting the work reveal itself and discovering some level of comfort
with the unknown.
Photo of Idaho State University dance major Emmanuel Chavez performing To the Core. This work was choreographed by dance major Amanda Stubblefield and presented during an adjudicated concert at the 2019 Northwest Regional ACDA at University of Utah. It was subsequently chosen for performance in the Gala Concert and was then selected for consideration to represent the Northwest Region at Jacob's Pillow. Emmanual Chavez was simply amazing in his comedic timing and stage presence, truly bringing the choreographic intent to another level. During the feedback session, adjudicator George Staib, remarked that the choreographer was "brilliant" and "pushing post-modernism into a new era."
Photo of Idaho State University dance major, Zachariah Mulberry performing his solo Boy; 1994. Zachariah was interested in exploring a deeply personal solo for his culminating experience at ISU. Through the process of sifting through feedback from a variety of sources and being open and receptive, he created one of the most beautiful, honest, and heart-wrenching solos I have ever witnessed.