The UT Martin Dance Ensemble held their fall concert “Reflections” Nov. 18-19 at 7 p.m. in the Harriet Fulton Theatre.
The concert featured 10 performances with different dance styles, including ballet, modern and lyrical. The performance featured choreography written by students and Sarah McCormick, professor of Dance Education and Dance Ensemble director.
McCormick encourages students to choreograph.
“It’s how they’ll get better at what they do,” she said.
Three performances were choreographed by students. “Strange Change” was choreographed and performed by Carlin Cochran, a freshman Communications major. “It’s Ok to Be Lonely” was choreographed and performed by Morgan Abston, a senior Health and Human Performance major. “Femme” was choreographed by Marlee Scott, a freshman Fine and Performing Arts major, and performed by Abston; Cochran; and Alexandria Bryson, a freshman Fine and Performing Arts major.
“[Femme] was more of a feminine dance for women empowerment, showing how young women can be taken advantage of,” Bryson said.
The performance also consisted of a trivia piece performed by Cochran, as well as a song performed by ensemble member Hunter Burton, a senior Fine and Performing Arts major.
Three of the performances choreographed by McCormick were influenced by reflections of the last year, entitled “Truth and Passion,” “About to Say Something” and “Quartet (for Eleanor).”
The remaining performances included ballet dancing: “Bluebird Pas de Deux (Sleeping Beauty),” performed by Burton and Scott, and “Princess Flourine/Bluebird Solo (Sleeping Beauty),” performed by Scott.
McCormick said the weeks leading up to performances are always stressful.
“We worked from the beginning of the semester creating these works. It’s hard work, long hours. I think the show went well; I could tell they were nervous [with it being the] first night,” she said.
Bryson, from Collierville, became a part of dance ensemble this year and has been dancing since she was 5. She offered advice for those interested in pursuing dance.
“Keep your mind open. It takes lots of practice. It’s never too late to dance,” Bryson said.
“They love to dance. That’s why they’re doing it. I love to see them do their thing.” McCormick said.
