CofC Stages to Present ‘Once More,’ a Dance Concert of Restaged Historical and Personal Works

Once More: A Dance Concert CofC Stages will present Once More, a fresh look at a collection of dances choreographed and restaged by faculty, students and guest artists. Choreographers were invited to revisit personal and historical works — an opportunity to rediscover joy and meaning within these pieces — and share them with new audiences. Both meaningful and poignant, this eclectic concert offers a captivating evening of dance for everyone. Once More is directed by Assistant Professor of Dance Kristin Alexander.

Gretchen McLaine, director of the College’s dance program, is doing a Labanotation reconstruction of Linda Crist’s threebythree. Set to sections of “Etudes Tableaus” by Rachmaninoff, the ballet showcases dynamic footwork and rhythmic sensitivity. The reconstruction was facilitated by the Dance Notation Bureau and is performed with the permission of Crist’s estate.

Alexander is revisiting her piece Opposite Infinities from the department’s fall 2020 concert. Inspired by the poem “Moment” by Eugene Platt, she had originally created the piece as a dance film. Revisiting the work has allowed further investigation of the movement vocabulary and the addition of physical connection, which was prohibited last year.

Guest Artist Clarence Brooks, director of dance at Florida Atlantic University, set Mason Jar Dreams, created from words of inspiration that sixty friends “placed” in a virtual mason jar. Words like acceptance, clarity, equity, and devotion were translated into movement, then dance phrases and finally into an ensemble dance. The College’s dance majors will premiere this piece in Once More. Brooks is now transforming the movement from the piece into a dance film project.

The production is supported by the College’s Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), whose 2021-2022 theme “sustainable cities and communities” intersects with the theme of Once More, which centers the sustainability of work through preservation and reconstruction efforts. The CSD aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to solve future challenges of social justice, economic disparity and looming environmental concerns. CofC Stages is committed to exploring these critical sustainability challenges – “triple bottom line” (social, environmental, economic systems) – this season and every season.

DETAILS:

In-person performances at the Sottile Theatre (44 George St.) are on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2:00 p.m. A digital video-on-demand offering will also be available for purchase. Individual tickets are $20 adults; $15 seniors (60+), military, and youth under 18; $12 CofC students, faculty, and staff. Purchase tickets ONLINE or contact the George Street Box Office by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu or calling (843) 953-4726.

College of Charleston COVID safety guidelines currently require face masks indoors for campus facilities, including the Sottile Theatre. Guidelines and performances are subject to change.

The College’s 2021-2022 theatre and dance season brings important conversations to the forefront and challenges audiences to think about their choices, relationships, and what it means to be part of a community while navigating how to live your best life. The diverse production season offers plays, dance, musical theatre, and opera — featuring guest artists, new faculty and invited collaborators. Production details and season-pass/ticket info are listed at go.cofc.edu/cofcstages.