Autumn Choreographers Concert showcases student talent
When COVID hit more than two years ago, Pacific University’s Dance Department did what many cultural institutions had to do: Puts masks on, danced to empty theaters and livestreamed their performances.
“It’s just such a different energy dancing in front of people rather than no one,” explained senior dance major Olivia Oetker. “It’s so much more fulfilling to see your friends and family in the lobby after the show. You feel like you’re performing for them rather than at them.”
But, this month, the Dance Department will once again present their annual 2022 Autumn Choreographers Concert in person, in front of live audiences—and take one more step back towards normal.
The performance will feature a variety of dances, from pointe to contemporary to tap. It will include five student solos and other pieces choreographed by the students and faculty. Oetker will choreograph her contemporary pointe piece that she has produced as her senior capstone, “A Shadow of Doubt.”
She has been dancing since her freshman year, and has been in every show since. She also is one of three students that traveled to the American College Dance Association Conference, which was hosted in Georgia this year.
“Dance is also an art but also athletic,” Oetker pointed out. “As a performer or an audience, you can have different interpretations about it. That’s what makes it so cool,” she added.
Oetker, however, does bemoan that the dance program does not share the same spotlight as athletics on campus. “The dance department here is really underrepresented,” she said. “We have such a great program, (but) I feel like most people don’t even talk about it.”
Jamie Jensen, a sophomore and double major in dance and psychology, is also in the senior capstone piece by Oetker, and also choreographed a solo piece called “Where do you go when nobody knows where you are,” a movement stemming from her transitioning from Taos, New Mexico, to Forest Grove, Oregon. Her dance is pointe contemporary, and it is her first choreographed solo.
“It’s a crazy experience choreographing,” she explained. “I’m not a choreographer; it was enlightening to know that I am able to do that and have the opportunity to revamp it for the autumn show.” She went on, “It’s always uncertain if people want to show up, especially during COVID. We feel respected when people show up and appreciate the art.”
is dance professor Shannon Mockli, from the University of Oregon. She will be introducing her piece called “The Shadows Fading”.
Autumn Choreographers Concert is hosted November 17-19, starting each night at 7:30 pm. $5 for students and staff/faculty, $8 for general public admission. A virtual viewing is available as well. — Christian Mendoza Guerra
Leave a Reply