Fall Dance Opens Thursday ‘New Growth’  

By Hazel Scott/ASU

Alabama State University’s Department of Theatre Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Dance Program presents its fall dance concert “New Growth” that opens Thursday (Oct. 14) and runs through Saturday (Oct. 16) each evening at  7 p.m. at ASU’s Leila  Barlow Theatre in the Tullibody Fine Arts Building, 845 South Jackson St.

“During the pandemic, there has been a loss in all forms; however, many have experienced new points of growth in new areas of life and have also had time to cultivate some of these new growths. The BFA Dance Program has experienced exponential growth also in size, programming and visibility,” said James R. Atkinson, Jr., director of dance. “New Growth will celebrate these developments with universal topics related to the title, like hair, nature, life cycles, personal development and awareness.

The dynamic evening of dance will feature contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and additional movement styles influenced by the African Diaspora. This will occur under the direction of guest choreographer Courtney Coleman, who will bring her high-energy, high-emotion brand of theater dance to the table. The Mobile native is a graduate of the  2017 inaugural BFA class and is the University’s first aerialist.

Atkinson said the production will explore the musical compositions of the Kronos Quartet, Celia Wa, Todrick Hall, Brandy Rayana Norwood, Grace Jones, Duke Ellington, Yann Tiersen, and much more.

The production is influenced by this season’s BFA Dance Faculty, Atkinson, Lindsay Renea Benton (artistic director), Lenard J. Foust and Jerome Stigler.

“The creative process of 'New Growth' has allowed the students, faculty, and artistic team to explore new dimensions of time inside of growth. It is extremely relevant to the forward-thinking and progressive moment of Americans as artists, leaders, and community members.” Atkinson added.

Admission to  "New Growth" is $12 for adults and $6 for students. ASU's mandatory COVID-19 protocols will be in place, which includes the mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing.

The program has been made possible by grant funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“This illuminating performance will indeed be a great way to enjoy your weekend,” Atkinson said. “It will leave you wanting more from the ASU BFA Dance Program.”

For more information about "New Growth" or the BFA Dance Program, visit  www.alasubfadance.com, Facebook:@asubfadanceprogram, or IG: alasu_dance.

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