The Department of Dance at Case Western Reserve University will host the 40th anniversary celebration of MaDaCol (Mather Dance Collective) with performances Nov. 21–23. at 7:30 p.m. in the Mather Dance Center.
MaDaCol, one of the university’s oldest undergraduate student organizations, offers a creative outlet for CWRU graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff and greater Cleveland community members. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the performance this year will feature dance works choreographed throughout the history of the event.
They are “Scandals” by Janet Meskin, “Flap” by Ken Gasch, “Victory of the Feet” by Karina Browne and “Inevitable” by Yizhen Hu.
All tickets are $15 and may be purchased at Mather Dance Center prior to each performance. Cash or check only is accepted upon purchase. Early arrival is suggested due to limited seating. No reservations and no advance sales will be made.
Learn more about the Department of Dance.
“Scandals” (1984)
First created by Janet Meskin, “Scandals” brings a lively, nostalgic atmosphere to the stage with its playful exploration of relationships, humor and dance. “Scandals” is set to three iconic songs: “Doin’ The New Low-Down” by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, “Moanin’ Low” by Libby Holman, and Carmen Miranda’s “South American Way.” Restaged by graduate student Noah Hardy, 10 dancers will explore the ideas behind types of relationships, and the fun at the root of each interaction.
“Flap” (2001)
Originally choreographed by Ken Gasch and now restaged by graduate student Megan Gregory, “Flap” takes the audience on an unpredictable journey between composure and chaos. Set to the eclectic and whimsical music of Danny Elfman, this 11-minute modern dance work unfolds in three parts, each offering a glimpse into a world teetering on the edge of danger. With costumes designed by the original MaDaCol dancers, “Flap” shows a glimpse of a different kind of danger—restrained and sophisticated.
“Victory of the Feet” (2013)
“Victory of the Feet,” originally choreographed by Karina Browne in 2012, is a lighthearted dance battle set to the energetic renditions of Queen’s hits by the Vitamin String Quartet. With “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “We Are the Champions” driving the action, this playful work transports the audience from the stage to a high-stakes dodgeball match between jocks and underdogs. Restaged by graduate student Maizy Windham, “Victory of the Feet” offers an amusing and triumphant narrative in an unforgettable showdown.
“Inevitable” (2018)
“Inevitable,” by 2019 MFA graduate Yizhen Hu, is set to the haunting and ethereal music of Meredith Monk and Katie Geissinger. This piece explores the emotional experiences of death and loss. Hu investigates the struggles of grief and the frustrations of helplessness, along with the realization of the unavoidable mortality of human life. Restaged by graduate student Katherine Averill, “Inevitable” invites the audience to confront the inescapable truths of life and death with an intimate, emotional depth.