Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will showcase student choreography during the 2024 Fall Dance Concert Nov. 6-9.
Coordinated this year by theatre and dance instructor Brittney Banaei, the student-led concert highlights the talents of MSU’s dance students.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-8. Two performances are scheduled for Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.
All performances take place in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.
Program highlights community and support
Banaei said the 2024 Fall Dance Concert (FDC) focuses on community support during times of crisis and difficulty.
“Dancing and the process of creating dance is also deeply connective in nature, as it requires us to be in physical proximity to others, tend to the needs of the room and communicate ideas through movement,” Banaei explained. “I’ve had the honor of witnessing choreographers and dancers build worlds which are inclusive and community-minded.”
Celebrating MSU’s public affairs mission
Along those lines, the production is collaborating with the Springfield Dance Alliance (SDA) this year, according to Banaei.
A non-profit organization, SDA’s mission is to create “a dynamic dance community” in the Springfield area, she said. To celebrate that mission, SDA is contributing two pieces to this year’s concert.
Furthermore, the theatre and dance department has added an educational service-learning component to the Fall Dance Concert practicum, Banaei said. This allows student choreographers to showcase their work throughout the community in addition to the concert performances.
“Facilitating a sense of equity, connectivity and belonging through dance is something I am very passionate about,” Banaei said. “Integrating service learning and our friends at SDA into the Fall Dance Concert helps to achieve that goal.”
Concert preparation starts early
Banaei said that preparations for the concert started in August this year.
“Casting happens at the beginning of the semester and the choreographic work is devised over several weeks,” she explained. “Pieces are then shown and adjudicated by faculty for concert selection, and those dances are rehearsed until show week.”
“I love to produce and coordinate the Fall Dance Concert because it is a space which centers the dancemaking process and encourages new work and experimentation,” Banaei continued. “Having this type of creative space is exciting because it ensures that MSU dancers have the opportunity to clarify and amplify their unique artistic voice.”
She added, however, that no live production “happens in a vacuum.”
Banaei gave special credit to the theatre and dance marketing team, as well as Kathleen Hains and Aaron Mayer from the design, technology and stage management unit, stating they all have been “incredibly supportive.”
Student-led production
With over 40 students involved in the production, Banaei described the show as built almost entirely by students.
“Each student choreographer is in charge of scheduling their rehearsals, devising choreography, costume designs and communicating with their casts,” she said.
In addition, several students are assisting with technical aspects of the show, such as lighting design and house management, Banaei said.
Zimmerman gains experience with co-director role
Banaei described student co-director, Kelsey Zimmerman, as “instrumental” to the successful production of the concert.
Zimmerman is a fifth-year B.S Dance major who will graduate in May 2025.
“Being a co-director for this concert essentially means working with Brittney to do everything it takes to get the concert onto the balcony stage,” Zimmerman said. “It’s been such a joy to work together, and I’m so grateful for her.”
“Buzzing with ideas”
This is Zimmerman’s first time co-directing a main stage concert. She previously co-directed a smaller, student-run production.
She felt ready to expand on her experience after an off-semester in New York City.
“I spent last semester dancing in New York City, and I came back buzzing with ideas for the program,” Zimmerman said. “Brittney and I had a meeting, and she asked me if I wanted to co-direct.”
Zimmerman said her responsibilities included planning and running auditions, compiling cast lists, and communicating with the cast and choreographers throughout the rehearsal process. In addition to her co-directing role, Zimmerman choreographed two pieces for the concert.
While Zimmerman is savoring the moment, she hopes after graduating to continue producing and directing.
“I love performing, but I especially love working behind the scenes to produce art that makes people happy,” Zimmerman said.
Living for the “aha” moments
Zimmerman’s is exactly the kind of outcome Banaei hopes all of her students experience.
“There is nothing more satisfying than watching these young artists realize their vision and fall in love with the magical process of making dance,” Banaei said. “Those ‘aha’ moments are what I live for.”
“FDC has a very special energy. I’m proud of what it is evolving into,” she added.
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