Embracing the Earth: How ‘Dancing with the Environment’ Celebrates Sustainability and Our Planet

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2025) — The University of Kentucky’s Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to present its annual dance concert, “Dancing with the Environment,” from February 7-9 at Guignol Theatre.

This concert is part of the “Season of Sustainability.” It aims to connect dance with environmental themes, sparking conversations about our planet and our responsibilities toward it.

“Dancing with the Environment” includes five unique dances, each representing one of the five elements: earth, water, air, fire, and space. The choreography is from talented faculty and students, including department chair Susie Thiel, Janie Morgan, Laura Neese, Jasmine Singer, and Theresa Bautista. Each piece combines movement and meaning to promote awareness of how we relate to nature.

Earth – Susie Thiel

In her piece “Unconscious Consumption,” Thiel examines how society unknowingly impacts sustainability. With a group of eight dancers, she blends jazz and modern styles to show the conflict between our fast-paced choices and the need for balance with our environment. This work challenges us to think about how our decisions shape our connection to the Earth.

Water – Janie Morgan

Morgan’s dance invites viewers into the world of water. She portrays its journey from calm ocean waves to the fury of a hurricane. Working with 13 passionate dancers, Morgan captures the essence of water’s powerful transformations. It’s an expressive piece that showcases water’s beauty and chaos.

Air – Laura Neese

Neese’s piece, “Zephyr,” dances around the concept of air, which we often overlook. She draws inspiration from natural phenomena and our breath. Utilizing various moods—from calm to turbulent—the choreography flows with the music of Caroline Shaw, evoking the essence of air in a striking way.

Fire – Jasmine Singer

Selected to choreograph this year, Singer explores fire’s many aspects in her piece “Phoenix.” With nine dancers, she captures the fierce energy and transformative nature of fire. This dance not only represents the physical element but also touches on themes of inner strength and passion, offering a deeper reflection on what drives us.

Space – Theresa Bautista

Bautista’s dance takes us on a conceptual journey through space. She reflects on the creation of the universe and the connection between the cosmos and our inner selves. In “Verses,” she blends ideas of light and existence, prompting us to ponder our place in the vast universe.

This concert also emphasizes sustainability through its production. Students are involved in reducing waste with costumes, sets, and lighting. Junior theatre major Eli Vann will oversee lighting design for all the pieces, supported by four other students who will design cues for individual performances. Their faculty mentor, Jeremiah Kearns, is guiding them in creating a cohesive visual experience.

This collaborative project not only showcases student talent but also highlights the commitment to promoting environmental awareness in the arts.