HWS News
2 April 2025 Junior/Senior Choreographers Concert 2025
Dance and Movement Studies majors present “Gravity” April 4-5.
Nine Hobart and William Smith student choreographers -- Hannah Baker ’25, Kyla Darrow ’26, Audrie Fazio ’25, Ian Harrison ’26, Erin Kerwin ’25, Ellie Pedone ’25, Maddy Scheirer ’26, Tori Smith ’25 and Jillian Vanlare ’25 -- will present “Gravity” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, in the Deming Dance Theatre of the Gearan Center.
Each April, junior and senior HWS Dance and Movement Studies majors debut original choreography in a formal concert open to the public. This year’s performance showcases compelling choreography performed by 26 HWS student dancers, selected through auditions in December. “Gravity” explores the complexities of human relationships—both those remembered in memoriam and those that shape lives in the present.
For senior dance majors, this concert functions as a capstone project for their Senior Seminar. As part of their undergraduate studies in dance, students spend months preparing for the production, managing aspects such as publicity, technical design, program organization, rehearsals and other details. They collaborate with Lighting Designer and Technical Director for Dance Mark Wenderlich, whose striking lighting designs enhance their choreography. Professor of Dance and Movement Studies Donna Davenport, the seminar’s instructor this spring, serves as the concert’s advisor behind the scenes.
Supported by a talented production crew—Andie Luna ’25, Jillian VanLare ’25 and Mackenzie Walton ’25—the choreographers will present their work at 7:30 p.m. on both April 4 and 5. Following Saturday’s concert, the choreographers will hold a Q&A session with the audience. The concert frequently sells out, so plan to arrive by 7:15 p.m. to Deming Dance Theatre to secure a seat!
Admission is free; donations at the door are greatly appreciated for Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes. Reserve tickets in advance here.
