Senior dancers bring final works to stage with ‘On the Verge’

Eight seniors from the IU Contemporary Dance Program will perform a free concert this weekend at the John Waldron Arts Center. The performance is titled “On the Verge” because the students in the program are on the verge of finishing one chapter in their lives and are moving on to the next. Seven of the seniors are graduating in May, and one is graduating this December.\nFrom the choreography and creative work to the business of booking and publicity, the concert was wholly produced by the students. Elizabeth Shea, coordinator of the dance program, said the experience of producing a show is invaluable.\n“After four years, we hope they are ready to do this, and they are,” she said.\nThe Contemporary Dance Program is part of the Department of Kinesiology. The curriculum for the dance majors includes dance technique, improvisation, movement analysis, injury prevention and Pilates certification, among others. Though the major is based in modern dance, students can take electives in musical theater, tap, jazz and ballet. Shea said students have a stringent curriculum that involves three years of creative work. She said the concert is an opportunity for the dancers to perform together as they finish their undergraduate careers.\n “On the Verge” will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday.. in the John Waldron Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.