BOONE – The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Appalachian Dance Ensemble spring concert April 2-5 at 8 p.m. in Farthing Auditorium.

Dance students will perform seven new works choreographed by faculty and students. The production includes costume design by faculty designer Sue Williams and lighting design by student lighting designers. Tickets are $6 and $10 and can be purchased at the Farthing Auditorium Box Office or by calling 262-4046.

The three faculty works include “Lead the Follower” choreographed by Susan Lutz to music by The Books, edIT, and Menomena. This high-energy dance performed by eight women explores relationships.

An all-male cast performs “Just Beneath Our Skin,” choreographed by faculty Emily Daughtridge. This work was inspired by the personalities, potential and dynamic energy of the seven male performers and two understudies who participated in the creative process. Aggressive physicality is contrasted with moments of introspective calm. The raw energy of the dancers is accompanied by a fusion of electronic sound, rhythm and strings composed by DBR.

Dance faculty member Regina Gulick-James’ piece “A Time-Out” is based on Mercury retrograde, an astronomical phenomenon in which the planet slows down and appears to move backward. “A Time-Out” creates an opportunity to pause, reflect, catch up and reconnect with one’s self and others. Living fast-paced lives increases the tendency to miss important life connections. This dance is about taking the moment to go over old ground again, to review, recognize and claim what may have been missed, and tie up loose ends. Nine women convey this intention as they dance to the music of Karl Jenkins.

Student choreographer Corey Monk presents “Veins of Vain Freedoms,” a politically driven dance based on a poem Monk wrote titled “Was his Dream in Vain?” The poem and dance are based on Monk’s observations of the state of the country, freedoms and liberties that some people have yet to be granted, and freedoms taken for granted. This work performed by eight dancers questions whether or not our ancestors’ legacies were in vain. Music by Mahalia Jackson, Michael Jackson and Tsidii Le Loka accompany the dance.

“A Senses Creation of Moving Landscapes” choreographed by student Sarah Martin explores the journey to find one’s “inner” movement and the struggle to acknowledge it while interpreting the motion of the surrounding world. Each person’s path is different and each ending is the start of a new beginning. The piece includes partner work and is inspired by Martin’s experience with dance and yoga. Eight dancers perform the work to upbeat music.

“Rigidity vs. Release,” choreographed by student Kelsey Head, explores breaking away from life’s confinements and allowing one’s self a sense of freedom.  Five women dance the work beginning with fast, mechanical movements and then transition to more organic interactions.  Music by Bedroom Walls and Afro Celt Sound System accompanies the dance.

Student Brittany Wetzel’s choreographic work “Obstacle Illusions” explores the dancers’ dynamic interaction with boundaries which the human soul longs to meet, push, exceed and defeat. Within the dance, a rope and a human wall define physical boundaries portraying the tangible strife faced by the dancers. Music by Dntel, Massive Attack and Prefuse 73 accompanies this dance performed by eight women.  The dance combines explosive technical dance movements with acrobatics and physical interaction between the dancers.

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