Editor’s note: Anthony Glossen, a student featured in the Young Choreographers’ Showcase, is an OU Daily staffer.
Students from the OU School of Dance presented their original pieces at the Young Choreographers’ Showcase last weekend.
Professors Glenn Edgerton and Leslie Kraus chose 10 student choreographed pieces and two works that were choreographed and performed by guests from Norman’s sister city in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Students spent the fall semester creating choreography, rehearsing, costuming and collaborating with fellow Helmerich School of Drama student lighting designers.
LK Cox, a senior in the School of Dance, choreographed a post-modern jazz inspired piece by the name of “Foreign Metal.” Cox has a collaborative process, wanting to know her dancers and how they move. Cox said this process has been worth it.
“The most exciting thing about this process is having a vision in your head of what something might look like, and then watching your dancers do it so much better than you could have imagined,” Cox said. “It’s never as I see it in my head, it's always better, which is always fun to witness.”
The showcase is student led, allowing students to have real-world experiences.
“I think the freedom that the faculty gives us when choreographing really helps dancers and choreographers create their own artistic identity and kind of explore ... what it's like to have that complete freedom,” Cox said.
Danielle Bush, a modern dance performance freshman, danced in “The Circus” by Emily Wyatt, “Pariah” by Anthony Glosson and “By Any Means Necessary” by Joelle Kimbrough. Bush hopes this event communicates how each student brings new experiences and perspectives, creating a mosaic of unique performances.
“I hope they see that talent has no age, and that talent has no limits, you know,” Bush said. “There's people of all different ages and backgrounds, and all different ages that are coming here to create, and everyone has a story to tell, and everyone deserves to have their story be heard.”
Opening night of the Young Choreographers' Showcase on Jan. 23, 2025.
Kennedy McCann, a senior double majoring in modern dance and marketing, has performed in the showcase four years. McCann was a part of “Foreign Metal” by LK Cox and “Very, Very Human” by Blake Vest.
“I also just want the audience to see how amazing these choreographers are,” McCann said.
Alma Borges, a dance graduate student, performed in “Galatians 5:17” by Averie Warren and “Discarded” by Amelia Hertlein. Borges said she has enjoyed connecting with fellow students, and hoped to create a moment of peace for those watching.
Choreographer and dancer, Kameron Bryant, a sophomore dance major, was a part of “Galatians 5:17” and “By Any Means Necessary.” His piece “Where the Mind Goes” was inspired by grief that is processed in the workplace or at school. He wanted the audience to feel the same discomfort grief brings while watching the piece.
OU alumni Asoka and Ola Molinas attended opening night. They have attended the showcase for a few years. They said that this year has yielded the best performances that they have seen from the show so far.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
