From December 9 to December 11, the Gustavus Theatre & Dance department will be presenting the Dance Production Shared Space: Tangled Relations. This production is entirely student-driven, a culmination of student choreographers and dancers that have come together and created a project that lets all of their creative voices shine.
“Going into the semester, all we wanted to do was provide a show where the student choreographers could do whatever they want,” said student co-director Lillian Kline, “so our mission was to let the choreographers fulfill their mission.”
Although this is an event that happens every year in some way, shape, or form, this year’s event is especially unique, as this was choreographed in response to returning back to school in person and being able to experience the freedom of the stage again.
“Especially with this piece, it was all of us figuring out how to go back into our artistic process after going away from it after Covid” said student choreographer and dancer Oaklee River, “so I think Tangled Relations even brings in how we are feeling about creating right now.”
Lillian Kline expanded on this idea, mentioning “I think this year is one of the most unique shared spaces, because it has been a learning curve. There are so many things we have forgotten how to do, as there is a case of lost memory with the students in the departments and we are working on finding it again.”
This is certainly a must-see performance, with everyone involved being proud to be a part of this production, with the sense of community being stronger than ever now that they are back together. This has been furthered by the fact that they are all students and on the same playing field, working to create the show of their dreams.
“One thing I really enjoyed about this process and working with students is you kind of get to dive into the choreographer’s mind, and it feels very satisfying to be able to work with my friends and be able to fulfill their artistic vision,” said dancer Aurora Schemske. “ I think it is something very cool and supportive to do with your peers.”
This mentality is shared with the dancers and choreographers, with Oaklee River saying “I do enjoy working with students a lot because we all work so differently in our creative processes than professors do, so it is very interesting to see the differences in creative minds.”
There will be a piece for everyone to enjoy, as each choreographer was able to explore a realm of dance that called to them. There will be complete improvisation on Friday night, along with a performance from the choreography one class.
Lillian Kline even mentioned a special aspect of the shows, saying “our secret is that you should come to the show 20 minutes early because we are having a juggling pre-sow, and this is happening every day.”
All in all, Shared Space Tangled Relations is an absolute must-see. Holding the creativity and artistic visions of so many students on campus, it is a sure way to make the cold winter days feel a little bit warmer and to support the work of fellow students, with everyone being together again.
The show is happening on December 9 at 9:30 p.m., December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and December 11 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available at gustavustickets.universitytickets.com and are free for Gustavus students.