Valley Star

Issue date: 5/18/05 Section: Valley Life

Media Credit: Sevan Ghazaryan Sevan Ghazaryan / Valley Star LEARNING TO FLY - Taylor Doop, Alina Bolsakova, Kristen Roskowick and Tara Proden soar through a rehearsal of "Pilot 37" for the Bodies Moving dance performance this weekend at the Main Stage Theatre.

Dance Moving Forward brings guest artists to Valley College for the production Bodies Moving.

For anthropology major Angelina Schneider-Morel, 28, it's a blessing to have a dance production of this scale her first semester with the dance program. "[It's a] labor of love-a little miracle."

Her solo performance, 'Del Sur,' is also a chance to stretch her talents as a choreographer; her piece uses water elements to explore a young woman's dream on a beach.

"[It's my] first time to choreograph, [I had to] overcome every fear and self-doubt," said Schneider-Morel.

The more than 40 Valley students in the concert are enrolled in the dance department; this is an opportunity to showcase their talents, according to the shows co-producer Margie Thomas.

"The festival has provided three guest artists-in-residence, who are creating original choreography on Valley dance students," said the shows producer and director Geordie Wright, a Valley dance professor. "Our concert will also include other works by faculty and students."

Arianne MacBean founder of the DMFF says that the artist residencies at Valley are a core element of the DMFF programming and they embody the high quality of engagement with dance that the festival is all about.

"The liaison between Valley and [the] Dance Moving Forward Festival [is] incredibly enriching for all involved," said MacBean.

Guest artist Lauri Stallings, has an extensive career that includes choreographing for the Atlanta Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago

"We are all dancers, we move through life every day," said Stallings. "Life is a dance moving through time and space."

Exposing students to this kind of experience is amazing says Wright. "They get to see the art side of it - often for the first time."

"I know the artists have given a lot to the process, and I know the students have given all they have to the art," said MacBean. "Together, they are creating something incredibly special and unique - and not found in very many community college settings. We are lucky to have each other."

Bodies Moving - Mainstage Theatre, May 20,21 at 8p.m. No reservations required, for more information call: (818) 947-2908

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