Theatre & Dance at Wayne Graduating Seniors to Present Night of New Works

During their last semester as undergraduate dance majors in the dance department at Wayne State University, Kara Brody, Christina Chammas, Lydia DiIorio, Maria Idunate, Ashley Kalchick

Alexa Kornas, Ashlee Merritt, and Stephanie Napiorkowski created full-length works to present in a one-night only formal performance on Monday April 25, 2016 at 7:30 p.m at the Allesee Dance Theatre.

Two of the works are previously performed pieces that have been re-imagined with a new cast of dancers, to provide an opportunity for expansion and a fresh take on the work for choreographers Kara Brody (Waterford) and Christina Chammas (Sterling Heights). Brody's piece, "Wait for Weight," describes forces that affect the moving body and creates a highly energetic atmosphere complemented by intriguing shapes and spatial patterns. Chammas uses the ideas of passing time, memory, and maturity as exploration of self-purpose in "You, Me, and the Sky."

Ashlee Merritt (New Baltimore) and Lydia DiIorio (Farmington Hills) both present dance pieces on film, offering different perspectives on movement, sound, and image. Merritt's work "thespacebetween" explores the act of filling a void, and illustrates personal events that lead to searching, change, and realization. "under the flyway" by Lydia DiIorio uses the camera lens to portray the essence of daydreaming, and blur the lines between the states of unconsciousness and reality.

The remaining four works are the first full-length pieces by Stephanie Napiorkowski (Macomb), Alexa Kornas (Clinton Twp), Ashley Kalchick (Petosky), and Maria Idunate (Westland). Personal experiences of fear, and reactions to the paranormal act as inspiration for Napiorkowski's "Uneasy Sensation." Kornas uses intricate, contrasting movement, and shifting structure to showcase ideas of authenticity within a world of conformity. Kalchick's work addresses the differences between being alone and being lonely, and draws inspiration from writer Eckhart Tolle-being able to find satisfaction within oneself rather than giving value to material objects. Finally, Idunate's "The Separate Directions All Share," examines the individual within a group, and utilizes poetry and vocalizations to draw attention to the small interactions in our daily lives that may be more significant than we realize.

The performance will be held at the Allesee Dance Theatre, located in Old Main at 4841 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, on the 3rd Floor in Rm 3317. There will be food and refreshments served at a reception directly following the performance. Tickets are $5 and are available by calling (313) 577- 2972, online at wsushows.com, or at the Hilberry Theatre box office.

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