If you happen to be on Rugby Road Friday night, it might be time to explore the artistic world of Helms Theatre. For those who have never ventured past the Architecture School ("Helms Theatre? Is that a frat?"), it can be found behind the Architecture buildings on Culbreth Road. With a conveniently located parking garage across the street that offers free parking on performance nights, there is no reason why anyone should miss "Cross the Line," the newly formed dance department's second performance.
The concert features eight varied pieces, with two main choreographers and six guests. Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp (head of the University's dance program) and Keira Hart (jazz and modern dance instructor at U.Va) are the main choreographers of this unique program. Guest choreographers include Erin Law, Tara Mullins, Autumn Proctor, Kelly Silliman, Susan Wiesner and Alysia Woodruff. These guests came from all over the country (ranging from Charlottesville to Salt Lake City, Utah) for two-week residencies. The performers learned the dances in those two weeks and continued to rehearse under the direction of Beauchamp and Hart.
Because the program features choreography from eight different people, Beauchamp said the concert features an assortment of pieces with distinct perspectives.
"It was really fun for the students to sample different styles and methods from each choreographer," Beauchamp explained. "And it's not just about learning the dances, but also having input and building their own characters."
One of the highlights of the program is a dance titled "Until," choreographed by Woodruff. To build her piece, Woodruff collaborated with a deaf poet, using one of his poems, which was written in American Sign Language, and translating the signs into abstract dance movements. Beauchamp commented on the originality of the number.
"Woodruff was able to capture the feeling of the poem and rework it into intangible modern dance movements -- she took concrete forms and made them abstract, but still relatable," she said.
Hart's dance, "Middle Distance Runner," features a "fun story line," according to Beauchamp. Hart is a part-time faculty member at the University and was therefore able to have more contact with the dancers than the guest artists. She coached each dancer through a personal process to develop individual characters for the piece. Presented as a dream sequence, Beauchamp said it makes a capturing closing piece.
Finally, Beauchamp emphasized a "bathtub piece," choreographed by Susan Wiesner. Almost too quirky to have an official name, Beauchamp said "you just have to come and see it to understand -- it's fabulous."
Beauchamp noted it's important to recognize this is only the department's second performance.
"As such a young body, it is so impressive to see the support from the drama department and the interest and enthusiasm from the students," she said. "The students and choreographers have been great together, and it is exciting to see how professional the final product is."
So perhaps this weekend can be a time to branch out and seek out something new and refreshing. And with a student price tag of only $5 (cheaper than a movie!), "Cross the Line" is a definite must-see.
"Cross the Line" will take place at Helms Theatre Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m and 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale at the door one hour before each show. 3
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