The UCSB Department of Theater/Dance’s Launch Pad will present Kinetic Lab 2023, the final dance production of the performance season, 7:30 p.m. June 7-9 in Hatlen Theater.
The Spring 2023 Kinetic Lab Dance Concert features choreography from six Dance BFA juniors, performances by 38 dancers, and displays styles including modern, contemporary, jazz, and ballet.
The product of a year-long arc of choreographic study, the BFA students tackle their first foray into choreography for groups, and step outside the dancing to develop a directorial eye.
In his sixth time directing Kinetic Lab, Brandon Whited, concert director and choreographic advisor, said, “The primary focus of this project is on process, and the students finding methods of dance-making that feel interesting and useful toward the realization of their vision.
“Emphasizing process over product helps to develop an objective eye as a choreographer and encourages the students to stay open to the myriad of possibilities, rather than getting bogged down by the initial idea.”
The choreographers:
Riley Haley is interested in exploring the connotations of authority, perfection, organized chaos, and relationships. Her movement quality lies in the realms of pedestrian movement, contemporary dance, and improvised scores.
Tiersha Lin is exploring the theory of dreaming as a bridge between the human and spiritual worlds. Incorporating partnering, floorwork, and collaborative creative processes, the piece investigates the thrills and dangers of lucid dreaming, as both humans and spirits become cognizant of the other world’s existence.
Gabi Smith is choreographing a pointe piece in the contemporary ballet idiom with an emphasis in musicality. The piece requires strong ballet technique to execute the movement to its fullest extent.
Chloe Swoiskin is creating a modern/contemporary piece exploring representations of the brain and sensations of consciousness. She is collaborating with dancers in an experimental process to delve into their individuality and how we can communicate through movement.
Alexis Del Valle’s piece focuses on the idea of moving onwards through chaos and obstacles while overcoming something. This piece, titled “Enduring Onwards,” will use contemporary partnering technique within the modern dance genre, and incorporate moments of unison and non-unison with a focus on layered dynamics.
Skylar Yeung is exploring the style of jazz and implementing both ballet and modern/contemporary techniques into jazz technique and movement. Using each dancers’ unique movement qualities and impeccable technique, she was able to create an engaging piece with a multitude of dynamics.
UCSB Dance BFA students spend their junior year in a three-step choreography-arc, building the skills of composition and development of material, while honing a unique artistic voice and perspective to create work around a central idea, concept, or question.
The instruction provides students with unique support and mentorship to become the dancers, choreographers, and art makers that will make an impact in our community and the world.
Tickets to Kinetic Lab are $15, general admission; $11 for students, seniors, and UCSB faculty, staff and alumni. Click here to buy tickets.
To ensure the health of both the audience and performers, the UCSB Department of Theater/Dance will be requiring masks and verifying Covid vaccination or negative test prior to entry into the theater. Click here for more on Covid protocols.