Three dance pieces, unique in concept and execution, explore intersecting themes of love, loss, and found community in the Cornell Department of Performing & Media Arts’ (PMA) annual Locally Grown Dance concert, March 7–9 in the Kiplinger Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.
The piece choreographed by senior lecturer Jumay Chu, in collaboration with the dancers, “incorporates ideas of the relationship in power and vulnerability, the familiar and the strange, love and grief,” said Chu. Musical trio Powerdove, featuring Annie Lewandowski, senior lecturer in the Department of Music, provides live accompaniment with tracks from their latest album, “War Shapes.”
Lecturer and guest artist Nic Ceynowa’s “bye” is aptly titled: five of his six dancers are graduating. The piece features music from composer Luca D’Alberto. “This piece is an intentional departure from my usual style, so I could create a showcase for my dedicated and talented dancers,” said Ceynowa.
For senior lecturer Byron Suber’s poignant piece, video and cinematic music accompany live dance, all inspired by utopian/dystopian narratives such as “Westworld” and “Stranger Things.” Also, Ali Smith’s book “Artful” provides support. “Concepts of melodrama are abstracted and distilled,” said Suber. “I want to show the ways in which trauma-based origin stories and loss can be recoded, and new concepts of familial relationships and security can be formed.”
Locally Grown Dance is funded in part by a grant from the Cornell Council for the Arts. Promotional support is provided by Ithaca Underground.
Performances are in the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts’ Kiplinger Theatre March 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students, seniors, and the Cornell community, and are available at schwartztickets.com or at the Schwartz Center box office, Monday–Saturday, 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. The Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts is located at 430 College Avenue in Ithaca.
