Each semester, Point Park’s School of Dance performs a showcase-style event known as the “Senior Choreography Project.” This performance took place in the George Rowland White Performance Theater this past weekend, March 5-9.
To general audiences, the Senior Choreography Project (SCP) is similar to any other Conservatory performance. To dance majors, this is like a final send-off before graduation.
For senior students, SCP is similar to a final presentation. To graduate, dance majors must take a three section composition course. The third and final semester of composition is dedicated to creating one piece where students can present their understanding of the choreographic process. Students are then graded on specific elements of their work, such as partnering and musicality choices. They also must submit a journal documenting everything from rehearsal times to production components.
SCP begins the first week of the semester. Seniors host and judge the auditions. After deliberating, they announce cast lists, and rehearsals begin. As an underclassman, being casted in SCP is not only a major accomplishment but also a crucial learning experience. Being involved in this project on the performer-side helps participants prepare for their eventual role of choreographer in senior year.
Maya Tate, a first-year jazz concentration student, was casted in Bella Fletcher’s piece “Mosaic.” The piece was about the impact humans have on each other, conveyed through a soloist experimenting and eventually adapting the choreography of the other dancers.
“It’s really great for underclassmen to be involved in this process to see what goes into choreography,” Tate said. “I feel like it prepares us for what we’re going to have to do eventually and just gives a really cool inside perspective.”
Polly Dean, another first-year jazz concentration student, was casted in Alania Flesch’s piece “Shadows of the Self.” The piece was choreographed with contemporary style movement and portrayed a concept involving overcoming insecurities.
“As a freshman, I’m extremely grateful and lucky for getting this opportunity, because the honest truth is it’s really hard to be cast,” Dean said. “I also love this piece because I do struggle with self-doubt, and it’s a nice way to express that side of myself.”
The show follows a specific format. Before each work, the senior choreographer steps on stage to discuss the concept and provide insight to the audience. This is individual to each student. Some choreographers prefer to leave their piece to audience interpretation, whereas others share more direct inspiration or storylines.
Senior jazz concentration Tori Stewart has always had her heart set on a jazz piece. She landed on paying homage to Bob Fosse. Her piece, “The Fosse Effect,” featured seven female-identifying dancers. They wore all black costumes and black hats. Stweart utilized jazz and Fosse technique. The movements were grounded and detail oriented, accurately representing Bob Fosse’s creative stylistic choices. She admits that the process of creating this piece proved to be difficult, yet rewarding.
“I’ve never been in front of the room both choreographed and teaching, so it was very challenging at first, but my dancers adapted quickly and tried their very best.” Stewart said. “If I was stuck on something, my dancers would definitely help me out, and the process was collaborative at times.”
Three different casts performed over the show dates. Each show offered different styles of dance, as well as a variety of concepts. The many different intentions behind each piece exposes an inside perspective on the complex dance community found within Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. This show is one-of-a-kind, shining light on each senior’s individuality as they enter the industry.
