USM Dance Program Set to Begin Spring 2022 Dance Company Concerts

Tue, 04/05/2022 - 09:51am | By: Ivonne Kawas

The University of Southern Mississippi's dance program, housed in the School of Performing and Visual Arts, is set to kick off its spring 2022 concerts featuring powerful and moving performances that showcase the art of storytelling through choreographed works that have been developed by faculty and students over the course of the semester.

Featuring the Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company (RDC) Concert 1 on April 7-9 at 7 p.m., followed by the RDC Concert 2 on April 28-30 at 7 p.m., the series will culminate with the Freshman Repertory Company (FRC) Student Dance Showcase with a performance on May 7 at 2 p.m. All performances are held in-person in Studio 115 of the Theatre and Dance Building on the Hattiesburg campus. Livestream tickets of the performances are also available on designated dates only: April 8, April 29, and May 7.

Carley Elliers, Performance and Choreography major from Slidell, La., highlights that the audience should be just as excited about these performances as the dancers.

"These upcoming works are the result of college dancers' literal challenges, sweat endured, and stress tears shed,” said Elliers. “The choreographers poured our souls to make art that sends a message to the audience, and the performers have taken on a challenge to portray roles that let you see that.”

Elliers added, “Getting a chance to see an art form that is very focused on perfection combined with the imperfect things that every human goes through is a rare chance."

Natalie Sunseri, Performance & Choreography major from Metairie, La. said, “Each of the dances in these concerts are powerful and moving. This is such a solid group of dances that will make anyone who watches fall in love with the art of dance-making and choreographic performances!”

The RDC was established to provide performing opportunities for dance majors and to promote excellence in dance performance for our students. As company members, students gain insight into the protocol and standards of professional dance as they prepare for careers.

The FRC members take DAN 220, a class taken in dance majors’ first semester. It is a structured rehearsal process that leads to a public performance. At the completion of this course, students have a better understanding of the creative process and expectations for professionalism.

Price of admission is $15 for general public; $10 for faculty, staff, seniors, and military; and $6 for students. The FRC Student Dance Showcase is free.

Buy in-person tickets via the Southern Miss Ticket Office or livestream via Showtix4u. Tickets for in-person attendance can also be purchased at the door.

For more information regarding the concerts or tickets, visit usm.edu/spva.