Polaris (Spring 2024)
Click here for the digital program.
Artist Statements can be found here.
May 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 pm in Spanos Theater
Cal Poly’s Theater & Dance Department is proud to present this year’s Spring Dance Concert: Polaris, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday May 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 pm in the Spanos Theater. Known as the North Star, Polaris is a historical symbol of constant guidance and direction. This concert unites over 100 student dancers from across Cal Poly to create a stellar performance reflective of its diverse cast. Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy is embraced throughout the creation of this performance as it is completely directed, choreographed, and performed by students. With a range of genres, including modern, contemporary, jazz, and tap, dancers grow and navigate through dance—our Polaris.
Choreographers encapsulate the concept of Polaris in their own ways. Leah Sarles, a third year Computer Science major, explores Pluto’s journey to find its way in the solar system in her piece, “Syzygy.” Third year Business Administration major and Dance and Law and Society minor, Hannah Bielcik, took a different approach. Her piece, “Serendipity,” explores the internal struggle of decision when met with a fork in the road, which begs the question, ‘Which path should we take?’
Choreographers also incorporate their academic majors and dance studies into their dances. Third year Child Development major and Dance minor, Emily Olster, was inspired by the psychological concepts of déjà vu and cognition to generate movement for her contemporary jazz piece, “Dreamscape.” Megan Waller, a third year Computer Science major and Dance minor, derived her movement from the concept of ‘hits’ and ‘misses,’ building her piece experimentally using tools from dance compositional studies.
Come see these student works and more on May 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 pm in Spanos Theater for performances of Polaris!
TICKETING AND VENUE INFORMATION
If you have accessibility needs and wish to request accommodations to ensure your full enjoyment of this production, please contact the Theatre and Dance Department at (805) 756-1465.
ARTISTIC TEAM
*Dance minor
STUDENT DIRECTORS
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS
Hannah Bielcik | Dana Craighead | Abby Denton |
3rd year | 4th year | 4th year |
Business Administration* | Construction Management* | English |
Jane Ekas | Tatum Gates | Samantha Garrett |
4th year | 3rd year | 3rd year |
Political Science* | Business Administration* | Business Administration* |
Cassadie Golding | Aviv Kesar | Julia McDonald |
3rd year | 2nd year | 4th year |
Architectural Engineering* | Art and Design* | Chemistry* |
Carly Morris | Emily Olster | Araceli Ramos |
4th year | 3rd year | 4th year |
Biochemistry* | Child Development* |
Environmental Management and Protection |
Chloe Rosero | Leah Sarles | Karen Severson |
4th year | 3rd year | 2nd year |
Nutrition* | Computer Science | Computer Science* |
Madeline Shain | Sara Sjoblom | Katya Tsikina |
4th year | 2nd year | 4th year |
Business Administration* | Child Development* | Sociology* |
Megan Waller | Olivia Wilson | Ellie Wrage |
3rd year | 3rd year | 2nd year |
Computer Science | Public Health* | Business Administration* |
FACULTY ADVISORS