Collaborative efforts

What do you have burning? The Theatre/Dance Department begs the audience to consider this question at the dance performance “I Have Nothing Burning,” premiering April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Jewel Theatre.

Assistant Professor of Dance and Director Amanda Hamp explained how the title played an important role in the process of creating the piece.

“We began with the title and talked about how the claim that we don’t have something burning is false,” Hamp said. “We all have something burning.”

While Hamp initiated the idea behind the dance, it was a group effort to choreograph, dancer Rose Milligan (‘10) explained.

“It’s her vision and our collaboration,” Milligan said.

Many will go into the show wondering what it means to “have something burning,” but as Hamp explained, the answer is not simple or definite.

“It could be the truth, it could be passion, it could be a secret, a motivation or a drive,” Hamp said.

Collaboration between the dancers and the director is a common process within the department, but this dance, which is longer than average, presents challenges for the dancers.

Performer Calli Micale (‘13) mentioned the physical stamina required for the hour-long piece.

“The endurance is challenging,” Micale said.

Additionally, each of the nine performers collaborated with Hamp to create a role for themselves. Performer Jennie McEllistrem (‘10) said she plays the role of a commander.

“We’ve each established a role that either Amanda has seen in us or that we’ve identified, which is challenging,” McEllistrem said.

Although the dancers created roles, “I Have Nothing Burning” does not play out like a story, Hamp explained.

“There’s not a specific narrative in the traditional way,” Hamp said. “It’s more episodic.”

In creating “I Have Nothing Burning,” Hamp used improvisational scores to shape the piece.

“Most of the choreography is set, but there are improvised parts in the performance,” Hamp said.

The dancers developed text to direct their movement. Some text is part of the sound score, and some will be in the gallery space beforehand, which dancers Amanda and Mike Moran (‘12) designed.

The set design also plays an important role in the overall piece. Assistant Tech Director Alex Lange (‘11) wanted to bridge the gap between the audience and stage with the set design.

“It’s meant to feel like the dancers and the audience are inhabiting the same space,” Lange said.

While Hamp and the performers don’t want to give the audience expectations of what the show will be like, they are hopeful the audience will find meaning in the performance.

“I hope that each person has a real, genuine connection with something in the piece,” Hamp said.

After the premier, shows continue April 24 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with more performances the following week.