You Won't Believe What Happens When UCSB Dance Company Takes You "Into the Center!" 5 Shocking Moments You Can't Miss!

The UCSB Dance Company is set to present a diverse concert of contemporary dance titled “Convergence: into the center” from March 11-13 at the Hatlen Theater on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. This concert promises to be an engaging showcase, featuring premieres by four prominent guest choreographers, alongside works by one faculty member and an emerging talent.

This production is particularly significant as it serves as preparation for an international tour scheduled for April 13-29. The UCSB Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Delila Moseley, will take the program to four European cities: Istanbul, Turkey; Cologne, Germany; Poland; and Prague, Czech Republic. The tour will encompass various residencies that include workshops, master classes, and performances aimed at enriching the dancers' experience as they approach the culmination of their academic journey in dance.

The concert features a rich program that highlights the talent and creativity of both established and emerging choreographers. The lineup includes new works by Seda Aybay, Ashley Lindsey, Monique Meunier, and Meredith Ventura, as well as re-staged pieces by Joshua Manculich, Sophie Berls, and Annalise Evans. The lighting design for the production is handled by Michael Klaers.

Meunier opens the concert with her piece “Aura,” which delves into the essence of both ballet and contemporary dance. This work embodies the journey of personal evolution, depicting a transition from uncertainty to strength and self-empowerment through collaborative movement.

“The Rate in Which I Am,” by Joshua Manculich, captures the frantic pace of modern life and its effects on human relationships. This piece encourages the audience to reflect on the present moment, inspired by the sudden loss of a loved one. It earned recognition at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival, where it placed second out of 150 entries.

Another highlight is Ventura’s “Cadavre Exquis,” which uses the music of Édith Piaf to explore themes of collective creation from a feminist perspective. This piece reflects on the shared traumas and connections that shape human relationships, demonstrating how fragile yet vital these connections can be.

Lindsey’s work, “Shedding,” focuses on the powerful yet quiet act of letting go and the transformation that comes with emotional release. This piece, emerging from a three-day residency, encapsulates the universal struggle between holding on and breaking free.

Aybay, recognized as the founder and artistic director of Kybele Dance Theater, brings her unique vision to the concert, having been honored as the 2019 Cultural Ambassador of LA. Her choreography is well-regarded, particularly for its innovative approach, as seen in her work for John Woo’s “The Killer”.

Berls’s piece, “Call For,” tackles the complexities of self-presentation and human connection in various contexts. This quartet delves into the vulnerabilities that arise from intimacy and the often unseen strength found in togetherness.

Lastly, Annalise Evans, a UCSB alumna and former member of the dance company, revisits her capstone choreography, “We Were Light.” This piece seeks to recapture the joy and innocence of childhood play, contrasting it with an adult understanding of the world’s complexities.

As the UCSB Dance Company celebrates its 34th year, this concert not only serves as a platform for graduating seniors to showcase their talents but also reaffirms the company's commitment to fostering a rich dialogue in the arts through performance and international outreach. The anticipation surrounding this concert and the subsequent tour highlights the importance of contemporary dance in exploring and reflecting upon the human experience.