Nature and the art of dance combine at ‘EarthWorks’
Salt Lake Community College Dance Company has been hard at work all semester on “EarthWorks,” their newest concert.
The next auditions are on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Rehearsals are held three times a week for two hours each, with rehearsals increasing in time and frequency as the next concert approaches. With only three men in the company this year, more men are always invited to audition.
The “EarthWorks” performance will be on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Grand Theatre. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $5 or half price with a non-perishable food item. Admission is free to SLCC students and staff.
“Earth Works is all about nature and the elements.” says Dance Company director Tess Boone.
The theme of nature plays a large role in the concert. Dances are choreographed to natural music, like the rhythmic beating of Native American drums as well as the sounds of rainsticks in the background.
The stage also represents nature visually and in function. A rock climbing wall in the background becomes part of the performance, as dancers climb, move and dance along the wall.
There are also aerial dancers moving in carefully choreographed dance numbers
Aerial dance is a modern dance style that usually involves dancers in mid-air with the aid of an apparatus that can be anything from ropes and chains to silk curtains.
This style of dance is usually performed by gymnasts and circus artists since aerial dancing requires a certain amount of flexibility, strength, grace and courage.
The concert is also a multi-media event, with videos playing on the background along with the choreography and music.
“We’ve also brought in professional dancers and choreographers from the community.” says Boone.
The concert is a community effort, not just with its dancers and choreographers, but also in an outreach effort. The price of admission halved for attendees who bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Utah Food Bank.