Dance Concert ‘Unfolding’ at Westmont

The Westmont Fall Dance Concert, “Unfolding," which features choreography by students and faculty members Susan Alexander, Christina Sanchez and Brooklyn Hughes Melton, is Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., all in Porter Theatre. General admission is $10; $7 for students, seniors and children. Tickets may be purchased online at westmont.edu/boxoffice or by calling (805) 565-­7140.
Alexander says the concert seeks to be entertaining and inspirational. “Life unfolds, choreography unfolds, events unfold and stories unfold,” she says. “ A student’s life unfolds over four years, and many things happen along the way to influence the direction the student will take after graduating. ‘Unfolding’ could be a metaphor or it could be interpreted more literally.”
“Beneath the Surface,” a piece choreographed by Alexander, is inspired by the idea of folding and unfolding body parts. “Some of the movement comes from the dancers working with these images and creating their own choreography as part of the dance,” she says.
In other dances on the program, choreographers have used the image of unfolding in different ways. “Speed Bump,” a second piece choreographed by Alexander, uses the images of dealing with traffic patterns and navigating an obstacle course, also metaphors for what we confront going through life.
The program includes a piece choreographed by Sanchez for her jazz technique class.
The dance concert includes a solo inspired by classical ballet, choreographed and performed by senior Prudence Gordon, and a hip-hop number, choreographed by Jackie Rose for NSTEP, Westmont’s hip-hop group. In addition, student choreographers Annie Koeller, Rose, and Miranda Wittrock will present group works they have created with subjects profoundly personal and uplifting.
“As these dance performances unfold, the audience will be surprised, moved and delighted,” Alexander says.