Spring 2025 Dance Composition Showcase

In June 2025, the LIHSA Dance Department proudly presented the Dance Composition Spring Showcase. This culminating event celebrates the creative journey our students have embarked on throughout the semester in our intermediate dance composition course.

At the start of the semester, students immersed themselves in the foundational elements of choreography—exploring compositional tools, movement vocabulary, and core choreographic principles. These concepts were brought to life through improvisational practices, both solo and contact-based, as well as through open-ended movement exploration. This process not only deepened their physical understanding of movement but also encouraged them to take creative risks and begin shaping their own choreographic voices.

As the semester progressed, students transitioned into group work, drawing inspiration from shared source material to collaboratively build original compositions. Through peer collaboration, creative inquiry, and faculty guidance, each group crafted a work that reflects their artistic intentions and collective vision.

This course challenges students to consider not only how dance is made, but why it is made. Through critical discussion, readings, and analysis of influential choreographic works, students examined the ways in which choreography can respond to cultural, historical, and philosophical influences—underscoring the role of dance as a powerful tool for expression and commentary.

We were honored to welcome LIHSA alumna Heather Conn—currently a professional dancer with the internationally acclaimed company MOMIX—as this semester’s guest mentor. Her expertise and mentorship offered students a meaningful connection to the professional dance world and provided valuable insight into the creative process.

Today’s performance is the culmination of months of exploration, collaboration, and artistic growth. Each group’s piece is accompanied by an artistic statement, offering a window into their creative process and the ideas that brought their work to life.

We are thrilled to share their work with you and celebrate the imagination, dedication, and innovation of our student choreographers.

Please keep scrolling for photos.