Guest choreographer Marlayna Locklear creates new work from her extensive contemporary and jazz dance background. Acclaimed dance faculty choreographers ArVejon Jones and Ray Tadio present new works.  For assuage means to soften, Jones dedicates his piece to those who have spent their entire life as the foundation for others, giving without being asked. Loving without expectation. To those who have forgotten who they are, what they’ve done, and who they have affected. Alzheimer’s disease affects 5.8 million Americans and is one of the most difficult conditions to witness. Tadio’s new work Roxy pays homage to prolific pop artist Keith Haring. The choreography features late1980s music from Haring’s NYC club hangouts and a short film directed by Dance and Cinema major Johan Casal.

Joining the program is Master of Arts in Theatre Arts student Aikaterini Bousleli, who hails from Greece. Based on the tragedy The Suppliants by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus, her new work is titled Iketis (pronounced hikétis). She examines the undying hope of each Hiketis or migrant/refugee to create a new life under dire circumstances.

University Dance Theatre 2023 comprises an ensemble of 19 dancers in this exciting new choreography showcase. There will be a talkback following the performance on April 2.