Dance is the art of talking loud and saying nothing, as James Brown would say.
The AU Department of Performing Arts presents "Backyards & Frontiers" on April 19 and 20 in the Greenberg Theatre.
"It's a celebration of the past, present and future of the AU dance program. Alums, guests and current students and faculty have contributed choreography," Melanie George said, choreographer and the director of the dance program at AU.
The recital is a showcase of various choreographers' works here at AU, from artist in residence Christopher Morgan to George herself. Each piece traverses the frontiers of the psyche and is pieced together through various time periods and styles of dance.
Casting began during the first week of spring semester classes, and the department ended up placing 16 dancers, 11 of whom are dancing minors, into the show.
"Soloists are determined by each individual choreographed based on the needs of the dance and the skills of the dancers," George said. "There is no uniform method. Each dance and each choreographer see and desire different things."
Dance numbers include one titled "Million Dollar Babies." It adopts its ethos from the Clint Eastwood film of a similar name, in which a female boxer, played by Hilary Swank, fights to become a professional.
The piece showcases the versatility of the costumes designed by Roxann Morgan Rowley. They untie at the leg seam and become pseudo-dresses
