Beth Thomasson, Katherine Boltz and Courtney Hart will perform at Sweet Briar College on Feb. 19.
Three senior dance majors will offer a window into the possibilities of modern dance at Sweet Briar College in their upcoming concert. Katherine Boltz, Courtney Hart and Beth Thomasson will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 in Murchison Lane Auditorium, Babcock Fine Arts Center. Seating is free and open to the public.
Boltz has a strong interest in Irish dance. In the spring semester of her junior year, she studied abroad in Ireland to immerse herself in the culture of the art. At Sweet Briar, she has taught in the College’s afterschool dance program for children, passing on her knowledge and love of Irish dancing. But her skill doesn’t end there, said Mark Magruder, SBC dance program director, noting she is an exceptional modern dancer and choreographer.
“Irish dance with a modern twist — that’s what I’ll be doing in my solo,” Boltz said. “My large group piece is my ‘doll’ piece. It’s about living dolls moving through space and time. My solo is going to be a softer Irish dance.”
Graduating students must perform a large-group piece, a small-group piece and a solo to complete the requirements of their senior year.
Hart’s piece will take a different turn, as she reveals her deep passion for the performance style of the Cirque du Soleil dance company. Hart attended the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne, Australia, during her junior year and returned with renewed vigor and inspiration for the company and technique. In the near future, Hart is auditioning in Las Vegas for a new Cirque du Soleil show. She has also taught in Sweet Briar’s afterschool program for children, sharing her love for circus arts.
“We have rigged the dance studio space to allow her to do aerial work,” Magruder said. “I’m sure the audience will be excited by what they see.”
“For all of my pieces,” Hart said, “I drew upon my love for circus arts. My solo will showcase my love for aerial things.
“My small group piece is a view of the circus in the Victorian era — a twisted spin on what a circus is,” Hart said.
Thomasson’s choreography often depicts a personal struggle or journey.
“Through her time here, she has taken us through many wonderful journeys exploring different aspects of her life and the world around us,” Magruder said.
In the winter concert, Thomasson will be using a moveable mirror to perform a duet with many different and inventive possibilities.
For more information contact Magruder at (434) 381-6150 or “mmagruder @ sbc.edu” (remove spaces and quotes).
