KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 6, 2024

Works by choreographers Christian Denice, Tristian Griffin to be performed by KSU Dance Company

Kennesaw State University’s Department of Dance just wrapped up an eventful July, thanks to the Eleo Pomare–Glen Conner Choreographic Residency program. The unique program invites two nationally-emerging or mid-career choreographers to the Department of Dance each summer for a four-week residency to create two world premieres with the KSU Dance Company. Christian Denice and Tristian Griffin were selected as this year’s recipients from a pool of national and international talent, with an emphasis on innovation and movement invention. 

It's a win for both the students and the choreographers. “Through this Residency, contemporary artists may collaborate with our student dancers, and our students may forge meaningful connections with professionals in the field,” says Marsha Barsky, Chair and Professor of Dance. 

Christian Denice and Tristian Griffin auditioned and selected dancers, and then each artist created an original choreographic 30-minute group work, resulting in two fully-produced pieces, presented as “Double Exposure.” This year’s performance will open the 2024-2025 season for the Department of Dance. 

In Denice’s “Arena,” he encouraged the dancers to remember when they had experienced conflict within themselves, and to bring that dissonance to the work. The first act explores the literal fight—drawing inspiration from wrestling matches—and the second act explores how humans feel when we are at war with ourselves. The choreographer has been impressed with the student dancers and their ability to take risks and bring his vision to life.

“My cast takes risks and fully investigates inside the process. They have stayed so committed to the process and to discovering depths about themselves. Watching their individual and collective growth has been my favorite part of the Residency,” says Denice. 

Griffin’s work is entitled “Grow Today, Bloom Tomorrow.” It is “a tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of my community, ancestors, and family. It was further enriched by the powerful stories shared by the dancers, which served as a profound source of inspiration,” adds Griffin.

Barsky is thrilled with the immersive Residency, now in its fourth year at KSU. She says, “Dance is an evolving artform that draws inspiration from new ideas and approaches. Guest artists complement the work of our own dance faculty, providing cutting-edge training and fresh perspectives.” 

This year’s “Double Exposure” will be presented August 23-24 at 8 p.m. at the KSU Dance Theater on the Marietta campus; tickets are available at KSUDance.com or by calling 470-578-6650. The Choreographic Residency and performances are made possible thanks to the Pomare/Connor Memorial Endowment Fund for Dance at KSU.

––Kathie Beckett