Dance Program to Present Faculty Dance Concert

Taylor’s growing Dance program will present an evening of classical dance in “Autumn Dances” on November 17 and 18 at 7:30 in Mitchell Theatre. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or online.

Led by Adjunct Professor of Dance Amanda Browning, 12 students will take part in five themed dances. The faculty-choreographed dance production will feature classical ballet, contemporary ballet, modern dance, and dance theatre.

The opening number is called “Due North,” and tells the story of sailors on a ship navigating a storm. The evening will also include a reprisal of “Stars,” a worshipful piece that was performed with the Taylor University Chorale during the Homecoming Concert in October.

One of the highlights includes a routine called “Suits,” which tells the story of corporate espionage through contemporary ballet, guest-choreographed by Emily Nader, faculty member at En Pointe Ballet in Noblesville and fellow of the Indiana Arts Commission.

“These are serious dances that are meant to tell stories. Even in moments of comedy, it’s all about very technical dancing as well,” said Browning.

Most of the concert participants are Dance minors. Students were required to be enrolled in a dance technique class because of the techniques and stamina necessary to perform in the concert. Browning’s prior teaching experience was with students majoring in Dance at another university, but she has found the variety of students she gets to work with at Taylor very rewarding.

“I get input from a film major or art major, or someone who just came from a biology class,” Browning said. “It’s an interesting blend of aesthetics and characters all working towards a common goal.”

Taylor University has one of the few Christian college dance programs, particularly in the Midwest. Auditions are not required to declare a Dance minor, which is open to students of all disciplines.