[NEohioPAL] CWRU’s Department of Dance Presents Spring 2025 MFA Thesis Concert Emergence

[Ziyue Wei]

Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Dance continues its
2024-2025 season with *Emergence*, a thesis concert featuring Master of
Fine Arts candidates Claire Christie, Mikayla Heinrich-Wong and Zhaonian Li.
 *Emergence *features the candidates in solos, duets, trios and ensemble
works.



Claire Christie restages and performs *Reverie*, a solo choreographed by
Mary-Elizabeth Fenn (MFA ’22). As a significant part of her thesis work,
Christie explores the depth of live performance. Through its dynamic
movement vocabulary and compelling staging, *Reverie* invites audiences
into a richly physical and expressive experience, illuminating the
intersection of embodiment and artistic experimentation.



*Because I Care*, a duet created and performed by Mikayla Heinrich-Wong and
Zhaonian Li, reveals the cyclical nature of support between people. Spatial
tension and partnering dynamics emphasize the weight of support—its
persistence, commitment, and power. Through moments of separation,
resistance, unity, solitude, and connection, the choreography reflects the
evolving roles of each character, with the core of love and care for one
another.



*Emerging*, a collaborative project that weaves together choreography by
four different choreographers will provide an opportunity for Christie, Li
and Heinrich-Wong to dance together. Envisioned by department chair Karen
Potter, the work is set to a percussion score and will feature solo
sections for each thesis candidate that are specifically created to tap
into the dancer's unique kinetic, technical and performance strengths.
Choreographers include Charlaine Katsuyoshi, Yidi Lin and Richard Oaxaca,
with Potter merging the solos into a culminating, converging trio.



*To Whom Her Legacy Moves*, an ensemble work by Claire Christie, celebrates
the enduring power of female artistry, honoring the legacy, strength, and
transformative impact of women in dance—past, present, and future. This
piece blends historical context, drawing from the influential modern dance
techniques of Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey, with contemporary
kinesthetic exploration to delve into themes of empowerment, solidarity,
and self-expression. Christie’s in-depth research into the foundational
approaches of these trailblazing women provides the backbone for a work
that merges tradition with innovation.



*In the Quiet*, an ensemble work choreographed by Mikayla Heinrich-Wong,
arose from various philosophies/faiths that espouse that ‘in quietness and
confidence, there is strength’. Full of precision and breath, the subtly
tenacious movements communicate quiet strength, power and an assuredness
that is unmistakably present amidst the placidity of individuals within a
collective to profoundly allure and captivate. *In the Quiet* reveals the
freedom and immense capability that results from understanding and standing
firm in where one's strength and confidence lie.



*Untitled*, an ensemble piece choreographed by Zhaonian Li, is set to
percussion music and explores the dynamic interplay between musical rhythms
and movement. Using varied rhythmic patterns, the choreography fluctuates
in energy and intensity, responding to the evolving music. Through moments
of tension, release, contrast, and harmony, it creates a dialogue between
music and motion, highlighting the intricate relationship between rhythm,
energy, and movement.





*Ticket Information*

Tickets are $15 for CWRU students with ID, $17 for senios age 60+, CWRU
personnel and non-CWRU students, and $20 for general admission. Online
tickets sales open on February 14th via
*https://case.edu/artsci/dance/news-and-events/ticket-reservations*
<https://case.edu/artsci/dance/news-and-events/ticket-reservations>.



Performances are March 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 p.m. and March 30 at 2:30 p.m..
All performances are located at Mather Dance Center, 11040 Bellflower Road,
on the Case Western Reserve campus in University Circle.
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