The University News

Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Culture

Media Credit: Mike Strong Ben Biswell lifts graduating senior Molly Wagner as they perform a selection from the ballet "Le Corsaire" for her senior recital.

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance will present three different performances of the annual senior recitals through Sunday afternoon, March 11. All performances will be held in the Performing Arts Center's White Recital Hall, and will be free of charge and open to the public.

"I think that senior recitals will be fabulous this year. All the students have worked very hard individually and as a group, and all were very supportive of each other," said dance professor Paula Weber. "It was very gratifying to see ... they were so willing to help each other get through this time of stress."

Dance Division students are required to perform in recitals as part of their degree program. Dance students are required also to choreograph a faculty-approved composition to be performed in recital, one group piece and one solo piece. They are also required to perform a faculty-approved recital solo, either choreographed by the student or by an approved choreographer. The recital must consist of two different dance forms studied in four years of coursework, including one solo and at least one work choreographed by the student, according to the student handbook.

This would be similar to a music student creating an ensemble composition for recital, as well as perfecting a performance piece to demonstrate mastery of a particular musical instrument.

The physical commitment can take its toll on the body. Often dancers work though injuries to avoid missing a crucial opportunity or letting down their peers in the production.

"Ballerinas are some of the toughest people I know, not letting even fractured bones keep them from performing," said Ben Biswell, a dance major specializing in ballet technique. "It has been a thrill to work with seniors this year ... they have been some of the most dedicated partners I have ever had the pleasure to work with."

Dance students are required to master both ballet and modern technique (one at least a 300 level, and the other at a 400 level) as a part of their program curriculum. Other dance forms and styles are also taught, including jazz, tap and flamenco, so that students are exposed to a variety of styles.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools