[NEohioPAL] CWRU Dance Presents MFA Thesis Concert: Eclectic, March 26-29

[Baylee Van Patten]

The Department of Dance Presents Spring 2026 MFA Thesis Concert: Eclectic

Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Dance advances its
2025–2026 season with Eclectic, a thesis concert showcasing the work of
Master of Fine Arts candidates Megan Gregory, Noah Hardy, and Maizy
Windham. The program includes five original pieces created by the
candidates, along with an ensemble work choreographed by modern dance
pioneer Martha Graham.

Eclectic will be performed on March 26–28 at 7:30 pm and March 29 at 2:30
pm at Mather Dance Center, 11040 Bellflower Road, on the Case Western
Reserve campus in University Circle.

“Steps in the Street” (1936)

Megan Gregory dances the lead figure in Martha Graham’s “Steps in the
Street” which is a segment from the suite of dances called Chronicle (1936).
The work had been forgotten until an old film was discovered and used in
the reconstruction of the work in 1990. A response to the rise of fascism
in Europe, “Steps in the Street” places a strong emphasis on themes that
continue to be relevant today: perseverance through adversity and the power
of a unified group.

The dance was restaged by Gary Galbraith - former principal dancer of the
Martha Graham Dance company and professor of dance at CWRU. The cast of
Steps recently appeared with the Martha Graham Dance company at Playhouse
Square during the Graham company’s centennial tour.

At Dawn

At Dawn, a solo created and performed by Megan Gregory, utilizes light and
color to mirror the dynamic and oftentimes intimidating awakening of a
non-human being.  The music composition for strings inform the insect-like
movement aesthetic, and dancer hypermobility aids in solidifying an eerie
ambiance.

In the Between

Megan Gregory and Noah Hardy co-choreographed In the Between, a duet that
explores how meaningful connections can be established, no matter the
duration of the encounter.  The contemporary Icelandic composition
compliments the traditional and non-traditional partnering that is the
cornerstone of the work.

Epicenter

Noah Hardy’s new solo work Epicenter features a variety of dance technology
integration researched throughout his time at CWRU under the guidance of
Professor Gary Galbraith. Powered by realtime data gathered from a
3-dimensional LIDAR location tracking and AI pose recognition, this piece
incorporates a novel collaboration with RhythmicLight and Professor Emeriti
Fred Collopy’s Imager software. Abstract visuals created by the Imager
engine are projected in response to the collected data, placing the
on-stage performer in live control of the entire performance environment.

Icarus

Icarus, featuring Maizy Windham and Rafaella Ortiz Cárdenas, reimagines the
Greek myth from a feminine perspective. The piece uses dynamic choreography
and narrative exploration to delve into themes intrinsic to the original
myth through a psychophysical lens. Through deliberate characterization and
kinetic narration, the work encapsulates the ramifications of feckless
ambition and highlights the resilience of the human spirit.

Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs, choreographed by Maizy Windham, is a multimedia work with a
cast of seven dancers that uses vibrant choreography and cinematic
technology to explore the role of perspective in dance. The piece combines
live performance with film projections of choreography staged on various
architecturally interesting staircases to investigate how environment
shapes movement. Set to a dynamic score, the work highlights the
relationships between the performers and invites the audience to view dance
from a unique and novel point-of-view.

Ticket Information

Tickets are $15 for CWRU students with ID, $17 for seniors age 60+, CWRU
personnel and non-CWRU students, and $20 for general admission.
https://case.edu/artsci/dance/news-and-events/ticket-purchase
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