In the depths of her being, a radiant flame rises (2024)
I’ve daydreamed of choreographing with this music for over a decade. My choreographic process does not usually start with music, but I wanted to juxtapose its upbeat, commanding intensity with slow, sustained movement. The dancers and I expanded that with images of flames and smoke swirling, strength in softness, energetic action/reaction, Grecian goddesses, and a nod to the 1980s. The resulting piece celebrates each performer with solos for their unique strength, presence, and artistry.
Fall 2024 Choreographers’ Showcase - Blackbox Theatre - Austin Community College - Austin TX - December 2024
Music: Dance IX (In The Upper Room) by Philip Glass. © 1986 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc. Used by Permission.
Choreography: Melissa Sanderson in collaboration with the cast
Performance: Austin Community College students, Halli Crow, Lorelai Delano, Madeleine Johnson, Cassandra Lankford, Kimi Ishida, Marisol Lopez Perez, Marti Washburn
Costume: Kelsey Oliver
Photos: Dwayne Barnes