A troupe of 17 members performed interpretative dance through the use of unique body movements in the McKenna Theatre at SF State.

Set merely against a large back-lit stage screen, the University Dance Theatre (UDT) - a repertory dance company made up of advanced dance majors at SF State - performed nine separate works of original choreography on March 24, to an audience of about 300 people. The two-hour show began at 8 p.m.

The UDT is a two semester repertoire class that begins training dance students in the fall semester to get them ready for a spring performance. Students also gain experience in professional training as they take their show on the road to a variety of different stage venues throughout the course of the semester.

Susan Whipp, SF State professor and Coordinator of Dance in the School of Music and Dance, co-directed the performance and choreographed one of the pieces in the show. Whipp described the dances in the showcase as very different - two are theatrical; two use live piano accompaniment and examine intention in relationships; one is a dancey expose of three American spirituals; and one is an Afro-Brazilian contemporary ritual.

“The dances you’ll see aren’t really dance styles, more ideas," said Whipp. "The dance is conceptually based. In this showcase, we look less at variation of dance form and more at variation of subject matter."

One of this year’s student choreographers, Marissa Clark, 22, was also the dance department’s administrative assistant, who helped support the coordination of a number entitled, "Dance in High Definition."

“It was just such a surprise to have my work chosen for the showcase,” said Clark, a dance senior. “It’s really an honor to be a part of this performance; we have a really great dance program at SF State. I think we’re about the No. 2 or No. 3 in the state, and so much work goes into putting together a show, so it’s great when people get to see that for themselves.”

Her piece, "The 29," was a funny, colorful theatrical work simulating the wait at a crowded bus stop in the rain for a ride and the frustrations that can accompany that situation. It was a hit with many in the audience.

“The 29 is a real crowd pleaser, people like the authenticity of it,” said Jamie Tretheway, 22, a senior, double-majoring in child development and dance.

Other members of the audience were moved by "Lingering Memory," a work from another student choreographer, Kao Saephanh.

“Kao’s piece showed good movement motifs and great reaching,” said Nicole Love, 20, a dance sophomore.

Another dance major, Michelle Peacock, 18, agreed.

“The black and red costumes were really visually nice, and the piece was emotional and very moving,” she said.

In addition to student choreographers, the UDT performances include works by professionals within the industry. The UDT has been bringing in guest artists to choreograph for the past four years as a way to expand their performances into the greater part of San Francisco.

This year, a piece by one of the guest artists, Annie Rosenthal-Parr, called, "Flash", won a choreographic performance award at the recent American College Dance Festival, which represented the southwest region of the United States.

“It’s something we’re particularly proud of," said Whipp.

There is a second performance on March 25, at 8:00 p.m.

For Tickets to the event, call (415) 338-2467.The prices are as follows: $14 (general admission), $8 (students & seniors).
For more information on the School of Music and Dance visit: www.collegeofcreativearts.org