Depths of Devotion Courtesy Olash Photography

If you are a dance fan Houston University offers a chance for you to see some extremely talented performers and creators before they are famous, right here in Houston Southeast.

“The University of Houston Dance Program is unique in that it sits in the heart of Houston, blocks away from the Theatre District,” says UH Dance Professor Toni Valle. Valle recently received national recognitions for her own dance company’s Testimony, an aerial dance collaboration featured in Dance/USA’s Dance to Vote campaign.

“We provide our students a diverse set of professional opportunities, including preparation to enter the Houston dance scene by connecting them to local dance companies, and professionally producing their work in downtown theaters,” she says.

The Dance Program at UH develops creative dance artists and educators through intensive training in technique, choreography, and academics. Offering BFA and BA degrees with a K–12 certification option, the program blends performance, pedagogy, and arts administration. Connected to Houston’s dynamic dance scene, students gain diverse experiences that prepare them to shape the future of dance. The department is recognized as a regional standout and, in December, they get to show off their talents. And you have the chance to see them.

On Dec. 3 and 4 you can see for yourself at the University of Houston Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts School of Theatre and Dance’s Emerging Choreographers Showcase at Lindall Finley Wortham Theatre.

Several pieces of modern and contemporary dance, choreographed and performed by the UH students in the program, will be on stage. Student choreographer Talia Saulsberry talks about the work she will be showing. Her (some)(no) one’s watching highlights the difference between public and private performance.

“There’s such beauty and freedom that arises when we our by ourselves, so I wanted to capture the transition from that private space to in front of an audience; especially the anxiety and fear that comes with opening yourself up to an audience to be judged,” says Saulsberry, “Almost the entirety of the piece is facing the back, away from the audience. This captures the feeling of being alone and free, then realizing you’re not, and what you decide to do with that new information.”

Viviana Parada’s Gradients is a dark contemporary narrative dance that explores self-reflection and uncertainty about one’s purpose and place in the world while Emily Martinez’s Blinded uses contemporary movement to reflect on the importance of perseverance.

A less abstract, and a very relatable theme for the student artists, is Eko Diaz’s House Party. It’s the story of a college party that goes off the rails. Diaz uses a fusion of African, house, and contemporary dance movements with a strong emphasis on musicality and rhythm.

The students choreograph, perform, and design all the works that will be shown. Performances are Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 12:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $20 and can be purchased online.

by Marene Gustin