The H2 Dance Company of Hope College presents its fall concert on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-27, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.
The H2 Dance Company consists of Hope College students and is one of the college’s premier dance companies, performing a wide assortment of styles by a variety of choreographers. The theme of this year’s concert is “Jazz.” The company is exploring the history of jazz dance, which is linked to jazz music, and holds its roots in the deepest parts of American history. Each choreographer created a piece that will address jazz dance and its history.
The first piece of the show is “Tempo Water,” choreographed by Matthew Farmer. The piece will include all of the H2 dancers and is inspired Baptist traditions of the Deep South and feature gospel hymns.
“My Baby Just Cares for Me,” guest choreographed by Mark Yonally, and performed to the song “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” by Nina Simone, is a tap number that focuses on polyrhythms. This dance was created in the studio with the dancers in the piece serving as the inspiration for the rhythmic and movement choices.
“Crazy Love,” guest choreographed by Greg Patterson, is a disco/funk disco dance performed entirely by female dancers. “Élan Vital,” guest choreographed by Kristen Farmer, is a contemporary/Latin jazz inspired piece.
After intermission, the program will continue with “Reverie,” choreographed by Jasmine Domfort in collaboration with the dancers, which is a 1950s classic/contemporary jazz-inspired piece. “Quiet the Echos,” guest choreographed by Hanna Brictson, is a contemporary inspired piece. The final piece, “Testify,” choreographed by Crystal Frazier, is a gospel-inspired contemporary/modern dance that will feature all of the H2 dancers.
The members of the H2 Dance Co. Company are: Celine Carroll, Olivia Coolman, Ellie Deakin, Caitlyn Enright, Ashley Hayden, Tori Homann, Gabbi Johnson, Emily King, Janae Nutter, Liv Panozzo, Tia Santi, Emma Scannell, Emma Speers, Greta Sorensen, Katherine Tracy and Andi Yost.
Tickets are $10 for regular admission, $7 for senior citizens and Hope faculty and staff, $5 for children age 13 to 18, and free for Hope students and children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the ticket office in the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The ticket office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at 616-395-7890. Tickets are also available online at hope.edu/tickets.
Audience members who need assistance to fully enjoy any event at Hope are encouraged to contact the college's Events and Conferences Office by emailing events@hope.edu or calling 616-395-7222 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St, between College and Columbia avenues.