UMKC Dancers' Senior Recitals
March 2007

By Nicole English;

Photos by Mike Strong


"Zealous" Skylar Taylor and Mattew Carney - Choreographer: Tia Qureshi

Starting Saturday evening, March 3rd until Sunday afternoon, March 11th, UMKC Conservatory of Dance will be presenting three different performances of the annual Senior Recitals. 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. The evening recitals will be Saturday, March 3rd and Wednesday, March 7th, both at 7:30 PM, with another recital to be presented as a matinee on Sunday, March 11th, at 2 PM.

"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... it was very gratifying to see... they were so willing to help each other get through this time of stress," said Dance professor, Paula Weber.

Conservatory Dance students are required to perform in student recitals as part of their degree program requirements. 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. As described in the student handbook, the recital must consist of two different dance forms studied in the four years of coursework, including one solo and at least one work choreographed by the student.

This would be similar to a music student creating an ensemble composition for recital, as well as mastering a performance piece to demonstrate mastery of a particular musical instrument. An athletic equivalent might be creating strategic plays for a team in competitive game, and then competing in the game in a specific position as a player.

The physical commitment can take its toll on the body, just as it can in any other athletic endeavor. Often dancers work though injuries in order not to miss a crucial opportunity or let down their peers in the production.


"Le Corsaire" Molly Wagner : Choreographer: Marius Petipa

"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 (such as Jazz, Tap, Flamenco, etc.), so that students might be exposed to a variety styles. Mastering a variety of forms is not only enriching, but it helps make dancers more versatile and flexible, which translates to more dance work after graduation.

In addition to dance studio classes, dance students are also expected to learn the components of composition of movement for choreography. Dance majors also learn an academic perspective to dance and its relation to the other arts forms, including subjects such as the history of dance, the kinesiology of dance, visual arts, acting, music appreciation, and the history of Jazz, among other subjects. Dance majors are also required to have fulfilled General Education requirements, just as other students are required to do. So, by the time they graduate, Dance majors have a well-rounded education.

Often, dancers may have positions lined up even before they actually graduate in the field of their choice. For example, Anthony DeCarlis, one of the graduating seniors is looking forward to a new position for after graduation. He will be moving to LA to work with Stiletto Entertainment Co. doing dancing for such clients as Holland-American Cruise Line.

"I'm ecstatic to get out of school and start a new chapter of my life," said DeCarlis.

This year's concerts will present the work of 14 graduating students. They will present their solo and group numbers distributed over the three different concerts. The first Recital (7:30 PM, Saturday, March 3rd) will feature the work of seniors Rachel Barnes, Anthony Decarlis, Kate Feuer, Tia Qureshi, and Molly Wagner. The second Recital (7:30 PM, Wednesday, March 7th) will feature the work of seniors Tara Jones, Jennifer Phillips, Chelsea Shaw, Ashley Trullinger, and Michele Wentworth. The third and final Recital (2 PM, Sunday, March 11th) will feature the work of seniors Leila Dilmaghani, Holly Payne, Carissa Ratliff, and Jo Wertz. All three concerts will be held in White Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center, and are free and open to the public.

Looking ahead: The dance students will also be participating in the upcoming annual Spring Dance Concert. This year, the students will be performing works by Doris Humphrey and James Jordan of the Kansas City Ballet in collaboration with James Mobberley, UMKC Curators’ Professor of Composition. The Spring Dance Concert will be presented April 13th and 14th, at 7:30 PM in White Hall. Tickets will be available to the general public for $8, for seniors at $6, and free to students with a 24-hour advance reservation.

Websites for more information:

UMKC Conservatory of Music: http://www.conservatory.umkc.edu/performance.asp
Conservatory's Performance Calendar http://www.conservatory.umkc.edu/calendarofevents.asp

Pictures From Recital #1


"Le Corsaire" Ben Biswell - sequence, full circle dancing : Choreographer: Marius Petipa


"Le Corsaire" Molly Wagner and Ben Biswell : Choreographer: Marius Petipa

Rachel Barnes
Rachel Barnes "Femme de Lune" : Choreography Rachel Barnes


"Hado Gardens" Choreographer: Rachel Barnes

"Untitled" Choreographer: Anthony DeCarlis

"Untitled" Choreographer: Anthony DeCarlis
Kate Feuer
Kate Feuer "Sylvia Pas De Duex" Choreographer: George Balanchine
Kate Feuer with Ben Biswell
Kate Feuer with Ben Biswell "Sylvia Pas De Duex" Choreographer: George Balanchine
Kate Feuer with Ben Biswell Kate Feuer with Ben Biswell
Rachel Barnes and Jo Wertz -
Rachel Barnes and Jo Wertz - "Elements of Eve" Choreographer: Kate Feuer
Rachel Barnes and Jo Wertz -
Rachel Barnes and Jo Wertz - "Elements of Eve" Choreographer: Kate Feuer
Anthony DiCarlis
Anthony DiCarlis "Changing Tides" Choreographer: Randy Duncan

"Us" Choreographer: Molly Wagner

Senior Recitals March 2007

2 March 2007 dress pictures from recital program #1 (performance 3 March)
Performing Arts Center, Dance Department
University of Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri


SENIOR DANCE RECITAL No 1 of 3 - March 3, 2007

UMKC CONSERVATORY DANCE DIVISION
Presented by Rachel Barnes, Anthony Decarlis, Kate Feuer, Tia Qureshi and Molly Wagner

PROGRAM

Zealous

Choreographer: Tia Qureshi
Composer/Music: Clint Mansell
Lux Aeterna from Requiem for a Dream
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Tia Qureshi
Dancer(s): Matthew Carney, Anthony Decarlis, Mary Marshall, Skyler Taylor


Le Corsaire

Choreographer: Marius Petipa
Composer: Leon Minkus
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design/
Construction Paula Weber
Dancer(s): Molly Wagner with Ben Biswell


Femme de Lune

Choreographer: Rachel Barnes
Composer/Music: Rachel’s
Water From the Same Source
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Rachel Barnes
Dancer(s): Rachel Barnes


Hado Gardens

Choreographer: Rachel Barnes
Composer/Music: Philip Glass
In the Upper Room
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Paula Weber
Dancer(s): Chelsie Danner, Leila Dilmaghani, Kate Feur, Chelsie Klima, Mary Marshall, Katie Metzger, Jen Phillips, Stephanie Ruch,
Chelsea Shaw, Kaely Tiery, Molly Vaeth, Molly Wagner
Note: Inspired from the studies by Dr. Masaru Emoto on resonance.


Untitled

Choreographer: Anthony DeCarlis
Composer/Music: Blue Balls
Bad Ass
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Anthony DeCarlis
Dancer(s): Vance Baldwin, Rachel Barnes, Staci Burns, Christina Burton, Ashley Davis, Leila Dilmaghani, David Long, Katie Metzger, Holly Payne, Carissa Ratliff, Karen Schongar, Erin Taylor, Kaely Tieri, Jo Wertz


INTERMISSION (15 min)


Sylvia Pas De Duex

Choreographer: George Balanchine
Composer: Delibes
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Paula Weber
Dancer(s): Kate Feuer with Ben Biswell


Elements of Eve

Choreographer: Kate Feuer
Music/Composer: Traditional Music from Bali, Jaques Brel performed by Nina Simone, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Baka Forest People
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Kate Feuer and Paula Weber
Dancer(s): Rachel Barnes, Holly Payne, Carissa Ratliff, Jo Wertz

Changing Tides

Choreographer: Randy Duncan
Composer: Sam Harris
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Anthony DeCarlis
Dancer(s): Anthony DeCarlis

Us

Choreographer: Molly Wagner
Composer: Regina Spektor
Lighting Design: Andrea Strange
Costume Design: Patricia Wagner
Dancer(s): Chloe Abel, Rachel Barnes, Chelsie Danner, Ashley Davis,
Haley Kostas, Mary Marshall, Stephanie Ruch, Karen Schongar, Chelsea Shaw, Erin Taylor, Skyler Taylor


Production Staff

Concert Director: Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Stage Manager: Kristen Feldmann
Assistant Stage Manager: Cassie Garrison
Master Electrician: Rocco D'Santi
Lead Lighting Designer: Alex Perry
Lighting Designer: Andrea Strange
Sound Design: Robert Beck, Ryan Kleeman
Light Board Operator: Andrea Strange
Sound Operator: Natalie Wise
Videographer: Brittany Feiten
Crew: Amanda Artigas, Maureen Duke, Jessica Fouts, Elena Hofer, Jesse Ligon, Caitlin Schuler, Erik Sobbe, Mari Watson


Conservatory of Music and Dance - Dance Division

PROFESSORS
Mary Pat Henry, Division Chair
Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Jennifer Medina
Paula Weber
Rodni Williams

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS
Michael Simms
Kristopher Estes
Jennifer Owen
Lindsay Rosemann
Jennifer Tierney


SENIOR DANCE RECITAL No 2 of 3 - March 7, 2007

UMKC CONSERVATORY DANCE DIVISION
Presented by Jennifer Phillips, Tara Orstad, Chelsea Shaw, Ashley Trullinger, Michelle Wentworth

PROGRAM

Don Quixote Act I Kitri’s Entrance

Choreographer: Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky
Composer/Music: L. Minkus
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design: Michelle Wentworth
Dancer(s): Michelle Wentworth

What Eve Alone Can Tell
Choreographer: Tara Orsted
Composer: Section 1: Nicole Nordeman
Section 2: Carter Burwell
Section 3: John Powell
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design/
Construction Paula Weber
Dancer(s): Ashley R. Trullinger, Katie Tripp, Charissa Ratliff, Brittany Feiten, Christina Burton, Molly Vaeth, and Chelsea Klima

Vision

Choreographer: Ashley R. Trullinger
Composer/Music: Jonathan Elias
Text/Intro Vocals: Dr. Richard Trullinger
Lighting Design: Jeff Roudabush
Costume Design: Leni Wylliams
Dancer(s): Ashley Trullinger
Acknowledgements: Thank you Dad, for all your wisdom that you’ve passed down. You are an amazing man. I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you.

Army of Solitude

Choreographer: Chelsea Shaw
Composer/Music: The Rachel’s
Lloyd’s Register
Lighting Design: Jeff Roudabush
Costume Design: Chelsea Shaw/ UMKC Dance Department
Dancer(s): Rachel Barnes, Chelsie Danner, Ashley Davis, Katie Metzger, and Molly Wagner

When She Wakes…

Choreographer: Jennifer Phillips
Composer/Music: Amina
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design: Jennifer Phillips
Dancer(s): Jennifer Phillips

INTERMISSION (15 min)

Behind the Blue House

Choreographer: Jennifer Phillips
Composer: Steve Reich
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design: Jennifer Phillips and Dancers
Dancer(s): Christina Burton, Jessi Fouts, Mandie McMaster, Katie Metzger, Lauren Sherony, Kaely Tieri, Katie Tripp, Molly Vaeth, and Natalie Wise

Comptine d’un autre ete: l’ap

Choreographer: Chelsea Shaw
Music/Composer: Amelie Poulain
Lighting Design: Jeff Roudabush
Costume Design: Chelsea Shaw
Dancer(s): Chelsea Shaw

 

The Last Time

Choreographer: Tara Orstad
Composer: Donny Hathaway,
For All We Know
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design: Tara Orstad
Dancer(s): Tara Orstad

So I Go

Choreographer: Michelle Wentworth
Composer: Rusted Root
Send Me on My Way
Lighting Design: Lindsay Cook
Costume Design: Michelle Wentworth and dancers
Dancer(s): Christina Burton, Brittany Feiten, Cassie Garrison, Elaine Kimble, Jesse Ligon, Mandie McMaster, Angela Shipman, Stephanie Shipman, Kaely Tieri, Molly Vaeth, and Natalie Wise
Acknowledgments: Michelle wishes to thank her family for supporting her though this amazingly long journey, her friends for sticking by her and encouraging her, and God for always being that light shining in the darkness.

Do Your Thang

Choreographer: Ashley R. Trullinger
Music: Basement Jaxx
Lighting Design: Jeff Roudabush
Costume Design: Dancers
Dancers: Ashley R. Trullinger, Jennifer Phillips, Rachel Barnes, Michelle Wentworth, Chelsea Shaw, Jo Wertz, Holly Payne, Tara Orstad, and Carissa Ratliff
Note: Due to the use of strobe lights, please do not hesitate to exit the auditorium if need be.

Thank you Mary Pat Henry, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Jennifer Medina, Paula Weber, and Rodni Williams for all your support.

Production Staff

Concert Director: Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Stage Manager: Vance Baldwin
Assistant Stage Manager: Will Smith
Master Electrician: Rocco D'Santi
Lead Lighting Designer: Alex Perry
Lighting Designers: Lindsay Cook and Jeff Roudabush
Sound Design: Robert Beck, Ryan Kleeman
Light Board Operator: Andrea Strange
Sound Operator: Catherine Johnson
Videographer: Erin Taylor
Crew: Emily Hair, Lauren Winstead, Mackenzie Allen, Skyler Taylor, Marlee Bailey, Shermaine Perea, Jillian Carlile, Chloe Abel, Jennifer Lowe, Lauren Sherony

Conservatory of Music and Dance - Dance Division

PROFESSORS
Mary Pat Henry, Division Chair
Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Jennifer Medina
Paula Weber
Rodni Williams

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS
Michael Simms
Kristopher Estes
Jennifer Owen
Lindsay Rosemann
Jennifer Tierney


SENIOR DANCE RECITAL No 3 of 3 - March 11, 2007

UMKC CONSERVATORY DANCE DIVISION
Presented by Leila Dilmaghani, Holly Payne, Carissa Ratliff, Jo Wertz

PROGRAM

A Similar Presence

Choreographer: Holly Payne
Composer/Music: The Rachel’s
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Holly Payne with a special thanks to Barb
Dancer(s): Vance Baldwin, Ben Biswell, Matt Carney, Anthony DeCarlis, Leila Dilmaghani, Mandy McMaster, Carissa Ratliff, Jo Wertz

A Portrait of an Old Man
Choreographer: Jo Wertz
Composer/Music: The Rachel’s
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Jo Wertz and Holly Payne (provided by Barb)
Dancer(s): Jo Wertz and Anthony DeCarlis

Lines of Reason

Choreographer: Holly Payne
Music/Composer: Dustin Mott
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design/ Holly Payne
Construction: Tara Shaw
Dancer(s): Holly Payne

Miles Walked

Choreographer: Jo Wertz
Composer/Music: God Speed
You Black Empror
Cello: Mark Stauffer
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Jo Wertz and Dancers
Dancer(s): Leila Dilmaghani, Holly Payne, Matt Carney, Katie Tripp, Katie Metzger, Lauren Thompson, Vance Baldwin, Ashley Trullinger, Kate Feuer, Tia Qureshi, Chloe Abel, Cat Johnson, Christina Burton, Erin Taylor, Kristen Feldmann, Louisa Mann, Jennifer Lowe, Marlee Bailey, Carissa Ratliff, Jesse Ligon, Stacy Burns

INTERMISSION (15 min)

Pearls

Choreographer: Kenneth Pervine
Composer/Music: Sade
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Paula Weber and UMKC Conservatory of Dance
Dancer(s): Carissa Ratliff

When Our Wings Are Cut, Can We Still Fly?

Choreographer: Carissa Ratliff
Composer: Niyaz, Gustavo Santoalalla,
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Paula Weber and UMKC Conservatory of Dance
Dancer(s): Kate Feuer, Jesse Ligon, Mary Marshall, Katie Metzger, Holly Payne, Sharmaine Perea, Kaely Tieri, Molly Vaeth, Jo Wertz

Vespers (excerpt)
Choreographer: Ulysses Dove
Composer/Music: Mikel Rouse
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Leila Dilmaghani
Dancer(s): Leila Dilmaghani

Counterpoint

Choreographer: Leila Dilmaghani
Composer: Electric Counterpoint by: Pat Metheny and Steve Reich
Signal to Noise by: Peter Gabriel
Lighting Design: Alex Perry
Costume Design: Leila Dilmaghani
Dancer(s): Molly Wagner, Mary Marshall ,Katie Metzger, Rachel Barnes, Holly Payne, Jo Wertz, David Long, Anthony DeCarlis, Ben Biswell, Chris Page

 

Production Staff

Concert Director: Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Stage Manager: Ronald Belger
Assistant Stage Manager: Elaine Kimble
Master Electrician: Rocco D'Santi
Lead Lighting Designer: Alex Perry
Lighting Designers: Lindsay Cook and Jeff Roudabush
Sound Design: Robert Beck, Ryan Kleeman
Light Board Operator: Andrea Strange
Sound Operator: Stacy Burns
Videographer: Erin Taylor
Crew: Kaitlin Rader, Alexis Bell, Kristen Loeb, Ariel Swinney, Angela Shipman, Stephanie Shipman, Louisa Mann, Elena Hofer, Katie Tripp, Ashley Zimmerman

Conservatory of Music and Dance - Dance Division

PROFESSORS
Mary Pat Henry, Division Chair
Sabrina Madison-Cannon
Jennifer Medina
Paula Weber
Rodni Williams

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS
Michael Simms
Kristopher Estes
Jennifer Owen
Lindsay Rosemann
Jennifer Tierne




Unless otherwise noted photos and copyright 2024 Mike Strong KCDance.Com and Mike Strong Photo Gallery and CV Site - Email This Page

UMKC Dance Division page links on this site

UMKC Dance Division moments between studio classes

Dance Division moments between studio classes

Fall Concerts
 With staff and guest choreography 

November 2017
November 2016
November 2015
November 2013
November 2012
November 2011
November 2010
November 2009
November 2008
November 2007
November 2006
November 2005

Spring Concerts
 Held every April with staff and visiting choreography. A showcase for the year. 

April 2017
April 2016
April 2014
April 2012
April 2011
April 2010
April 2008
April 2007

Other Dance Concerts and Dance Division Events at UMKC
 Held every April with staff and visiting choreography. A showcase for the year. 

Carmina Burana
CORPS de Ballet 2011 Conference with the introduction of the Tudor Curriculum
Battleworks Concert - 25 October 2008
UMKC Master Class with Robert Battle - 20-24 Oct 2008
Note: as of spring 2011 Robert Battle took over as Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey from the retiring Judith Jamison.
Master Class with Donald McKayle - August 2006
100th Year Anniversaryof the Conservatory - April 2006

Senior Recitals
These are held in the winter semester and the graduating seniors begin signups and rehearsals early in the fall semester. This is one of their last graded works. Each senior choreographs and directs a group piece and performs in a solo which may be self-choreography or another's and may also be a duet if there is a large enough mix of solo to duet.

There are a number of recital concerts, depending on the total number of seniors. Generally the mid-week concerts have in-town seniors while those with families out of town are scheduled for Saturdays so relatives can attend.

Senior Recital 2012
Senior Recital 2011
Senior Recital 2008
Senior Recital 2007
Senior Recital 2005

Related Links
 Non-UMKC events which have UMKC dancers, staff or visiting artists. 

Don McKayle talk 24 Jan 2008 at Public Library, KCMO about Kansas City Ballet piece he was commisioned to create.
UMKC guys in Romeo and Juliet at Kansas City Ballet Spring 2008 backstage in costumes.
Wylliams/Henry Sept 2006 and "Games ," choreography Donald McKayle.

For some of the least expensive, good dance entertainment in Kansas City the University of Missouri Kansas City's Conservatory of Dance and Music's Dance Division offers some of the best young adult dancers in the area. UMKC's Dance Division is among the top dance schools in the country. Those of us who live in this area often miss that distinction but people elsewhere know (isn't it always so?).