PRESS RELEASE
APRIL 5, 2023
FloArts presents “An Evening of Dance: Introspection”
Florida School of the Arts presents “An Evening of Dance: Introspection.” The show runs April 13 – 16, Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Admission is $10.
According to the show’s directors, Jessica Mayhew-Borrero and Andrea Montez, each piece has been carefully constructed to begin a journey of self-reflection envisioned by the choreographers, performed by the dancers, and ultimately perceived by the audience. “An Evening of Dance: Introspection” invites its viewers to consider their own interior landscape while enjoying the moving artform of dance.
The show features a collection of dance styles from four choreographers: FloArts faculty Jessica Mayhew-Borrero and Andrea Montez, returning alumna Morgan Johnston, and Jacksonville Dance Theater’s Winter Bosanko.
Performers include Alexis Brockway, Tara Cooper, Elisa Crivelli, Jordan Fletcher, Anna Guzman, Teoman Karaagac, Luke Keeley, Chelsey Lake, Andrea Montez, Maggie Rashaw, Hannah Seyler, Sydney Sheffield, Caleb Urbistondo, and McKayla Whiteside.
Mayhew-Borrero describes her choreographic process as stemming from internal inspirations. The idea of focusing her choreography on the thematic structure of the concert seemed exciting to explore. “Grappling with maintaining an identity that once was, while tending to the needs of others, along with trying to relate to (and identify with) a newer version of oneself; these are the concepts from which my choreographic ideas emerge,” Mayhew-Borrero said.
Montez is fascinated by exploring the relationship between kinesthetic investigation and personal inquiry. “The pieces I am presenting have differing points of initiation, where sometimes the force of physical movement excavates a soulful connection to the emotions of the dancers,” Montez said. “Or alternatively, a personal impetus evolves into full physical expression, creating a lively experience for the performer.”
Guest choreographer, Winter Bosanko of Jacksonville Dance Theatre created a contemporary piece entitled “Embrace.” This work was a collaboration between Bosanko and the dancers that investigates acceptance, moments of isolation, and compassion.
Morgan Johnston, a FloArts alumna, returned to create a piece entitled “Breakthrough.” This contemporary work analyzes how media impacts our lives. Both guest artists held intensive rehearsals to work with their cast and set original choreography. This compressed rehearsal time offers students the opportunity to experience the type of work schedule that is required in the professional dance field.
Florida School of the Arts, serving the entire state of Florida, is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State and awards associate degrees in acting, dance performance, musical theater, stage management, theater technology, graphic design/new media and studio art. For more information, call (386) 312-4300 or visit FloArts.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Florida School of the Arts dance students rehearse for “An Evening of Dance: Introspection” performed April 13-16. From left Alexis Brockway, Luke Keeley and Tara Cooper.
Florida School of the Arts dance students rehearse for “An Evening of Dance: Introspection” performed April 13-16. From left Alexis Brockway, Tara Cooper and Luke Keeley.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Michelle Sjogren
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Communications
(904) 276-6814
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
(386) 312-4021