SRU’s annual Fresh Moves Dance Showcase returns Dec. 6-7

Slippery Rock University’s Fresh Moves concert features original works by more than 14 students, a traditional Bharatanatyam piece by Jaya Mani and performances including more than 50 students. (Photo courtesy of Dapper Dewey Photography.)

Nov. 25, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University Dance Department will present its Fresh Moves Dance Showcase, 7 p.m., Dec. 6, and 2 p.m., Dec. 7, in the Stoner West Dance Studio Theater. The showcase will feature 14 choreographed performances by current SRU dance students. Cost is $10 for general admission and tickets can be purchased online at sru.edu/tickets or at the Smith Student Center information desk.

The Fresh Moves concert will showcase a diverse range of performances, including a traditional Bharatanatyam piece created by Jaya Mani, an SRU professor of dance, for her students. In addition to faculty contributions, the concert features student works developed through a unique choreographic process led by Jennifer Keller, an SRU associate professor of dance, who also serves as the artistic director of SRU Dance Theatre.

To have work accepted into the concert, students participated in a series of labs hosted by Keller, where they received feedback from both faculty and peers during the development of their pieces. More than 50 students will perform in the concert, presenting a range of original works.

"For many choreographers, Fresh Moves is a debut of their ensemble choreography, and it is always exciting to celebrate this milestone," said Keller. "Fresh Moves is an amazing vehicle for peer-to-peer learning that takes place outside of the classroom. Dancers dedicate evenings and weekends to creating, sharing ideas and inspiring each other in their artistic journeys. Faculty offer support in the choreography labs, but the true inspiration comes from student collaboration. I'm very proud of these artists."

The student choreographers include:

• Lauren Mortimer, a junior dual early child education and dance major from Butler.
• Sarah Sciorilli, a senior dual early child education and dance major from Cecil.
• Tristin Peltz-Palko, a junior exercise science and dance major from Ligonier.
• Mari Sprague, a junior dance major from Buffalo, New York.
• Katrina Rowe, a junior dance major from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
• Meghan Parisi, a senior dual dance and theatre major from Churchville, New York.
• Will VanSlander, a senior dance major from St. Marys.
• Skylar Ankrom, a senior dance major from Allentown.
• Taylor Snyder, a senior dance major from Dillsburg.
• Shea Cooper, a junior dance major from Hanover.
• MacKenzie Wolfe, a senior dual dance and safety management major from Kittanning.
• Paula Rodríguez-Alvarez, a junior dance major from San Rafael, Costa Rica.
• Rayna Halper, a junior dance major from Mars.
• Summer Salos, a junior dance major from Stevensville, Maryland.

More information is available on the SRU Dance Department webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | news@sru.edu