Photo by Lucy Wimmer (C’20)
By Katherine LeClair
Staff Writer
The fifth annual performance of DanceWise: Intersections occurred last weekend, December 7-10, at the Tennessee Williams Center’s Proctor Hill Theatre. This collection of contemporary pieces was a collaboration between Sewanee students and professional choreographers to produce a lively and dynamic show.
DanceWise has been in production since September, when any student interested in dance was encouraged to audition. Student choreographers Alyssa Holley (C’18), Danielle Silfies (C’19), and Robin Kate Davis (C’21) were chosen to contribute pieces.
“This is a very professional and artistically intellectual performance,” said dancer Adelle Dennis (C’21). Dennis views DanceWise as a means to experience new styles of modern dance she had not been exposed to before her studies at Sewanee. She remarked that she saw herself “grow as a dancer over the months of rehearsal” because of the opportunity to work with a wide range of contemporary styles.
Two guest choreographers were brought to Sewanee and created pieces that flattered the dancers’ artistic ability and athleticism. Daniel Gwirtzman, artistic director of New York City-based Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, crafted a duet for himself and director Courtney World that emphasized the power of simplicity and left the audience in awe. World’s and Gwirtzman’s movements compliment each other beautifully as they travel across the stage in unison.
Audience members left the show with the impression of beautiful contemporary movements and amazement towards the talent in the Sewanee community.