Geneseo Dance Ensemble Performs "Dancing Into Light"

SUNY Geneseo’s Department of Theatre and Dance Studies presents the Geneseo Dance Ensemble in “Dancing Into Light,” featuring new works by faculty, guest artists, and selected student choreographers. There are 35 performers.

The concert is directed and produced by Jonette Lancos, professor of dance studies, in the Alice Austin Theatre in Brodie Hall on four dates: February 29, March 1, and March 2 at 7:30 p.m., and on March 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are available at the Student Association Ticket Office or online at http://bbo.geneseo.edu. The performances are open to the public.

Dance Studies guest artist in residence Darwin Prioleau created a jazz piece, “The Feeling of Jazz,” to music by Wynton Marsalis with vocals by Diane Reeves. Prioleau's professional career spans over 12 years in New York City. She has worked intensively with dance masters Alvin Ailey, Jimmy Truitte, Joyce Trisler, and Matt Mattox.

Dance Studies adjunct instructor artist Nicolette Ferguson choreographed “This Is,” a new work that speaks to the individual paths of our lives despite our collective connections. Deborah Scodese-French, adjunct instructor of dance studies, staged “Synergy” inspired by her travels to Tanzania last summer. Allison Thomashefski created “You’ll Start Happening Too,” a tap piece inspired by text excerpts and rhythms of Dr. Seuss’s book “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.” Lancos restaged “Symphony in C” after the original by George Balanchine, with music by George Bizet, “Symphony in C: Allegro vivo.” Lancos also created a new work—“Kuai Le” to music by Osvaldo Golijov and performed by Wu Tong and The Silk Road Ensemble.

Adjudicator’s Choice for student choreography is Abigail Costa ’24. Her work, “Little Things,” explores finding small day moments that influence our lives. Faculty’s Choice for student choreography is Victoria Garland ’24. Her work, “Living in the Now,” explores how we always have a million thoughts in our heads, but it is important to take a step back and live in the moment with those around us.

“Dancing into Light” is directed by Lancos in collaboration with senior student assistants Abigail Costa ’24, Victoria Garland ’24, Emily Rennells ’24, and Penelope Zenahusern ’24. Stage managers are Erin Schulz ’26 and Maxwell Worden ’26. Theater faculty and department chair Johnnie Ferrell is mentoring student lighting designers Stephanie Billharz ’24 and Eleanor Kephart ’24. Costumes are coordinated by Lisa Miskell, costume shop supervisor, in collaboration with the costume shop crew.

“Dancing into Light” is supported by generous donations through The Geneseo Foundation from supporters and local businesses. It is the 56th year of the Geneseo Dance Ensemble and the 111th dance concert full of diverse, dynamic, and original dance works.