As a rigorous and robust program, Butler Ballet sparks many different expectations for those involved. However, their annual Student Choreography Showcase is an opportunity entirely unique to a student dancer’s usual routine. From lighting and costuming to conveying music through rhythm and body, students work in just under two months to build a mesmerizing experience for all.
This year’s performances take place on Oct. 21 – 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Lilly Hall; the event is free and open to the public. Eleven choreographers will use their talent and education to show off brand-new works ranging anywhere from ballet to contemporary, lyrical or jazz.
The student choreographers have poured thought into every count, movement and beat down to the second. Sophomore dance-pedagogy major Jonah Tillery shared what he hopes his piece accomplishes during its first moments on stage.
“I want people to experience that feeling of sitting in the audience and just [wanting] to get up and move when they watch and listen to my piece,” Tillery said. “I want … the first 30 seconds to feel like, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s happening?’ One of my friends said while watching that it felt like fireworks. There were so many different things at the same time, they wanted to look everywhere.”
Student dancers express themselves in a burst of motion. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
Tillery’s fast-paced jazz offers a chance to express what might not escape during class or required, faculty-led performances. For many, these pieces that keep the stage constantly in motion are a step away from the familiarity of traditional ballet.
Charlie Lindeman, a sophomore dance arts administration major, said he views that shift as a part of the appeal.
“I would definitely categorize my pieces as strong jazz, which, as Butler Ballet students, we experience a little bit, though definitely not as much as the technical side of things,” Lindeman said. “I wanted to give people a fun chance to get to do something different.”
Much goes into a typical rehearsal. Choreographers balance planning and experimenting ahead with adjusting on the spot. With no more than a few hours together each week, it takes trial and error to end up with a strategy that works for every dancer.
Lindeman has learned to reflect on his emotions and body, asking the questions that feel right.
“I’m dancing in front of the mirror in my room, putting on music and thinking, ‘Okay, this is how this makes me feel. How can I make this into reality and then put that on other people’s bodies as well?’” Lindeman said.
Two student dancers rely on each other to master a move. Photo by Faith Delamarter.
Simon Byrom, a sophomore dance arts administration major, leans towards working off of a flexible foundation or rough sketch when leading others through rehearsal.
“Being able to build off of [my peers’] creative energies in this space helps me a lot more,” Byrom said. “Being around other creatives and being focused on something helps me think of new ideas or try things in different ways. [I consider] what’s going to flatter them and flow naturally.”
Leading others into one shared vision takes a fresh approach set apart from individual expression. Although, in both, enthusiasm is necessary.
“I show [my peers] each section and how to articulate each movement with their bodies because I find that there’s a really big difference from just doing a movement [versus] really feeling one,” Tillery said.
Ultimately, the process is as much about collaborating as it is about choreographing. Students must show up for each other in new and challenging ways to curate something memorable. Of course, under the consistency, effort and teamwork that fuels this year’s Student Choreography Showcase, entertainment remains at its heart.
“I want the audience to be intrigued,” Byrom said. “I want to pique their interest and make sure they’re invested in what’s about to happen.”
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