Sage by Kennesaw State University - Kennesaw State University in Georgia

This fall, the KSU Department of Dance presented Sage and brought four innovative works to the stage. The choreographers included Senegalese guest artist Kaolack (Pape Ibrahima Ndiaye), faculty Lisa K. Lock, Autumn Eckman, Dasha Chapman, and KSU provost Ivan Pulinkala.

Pulinkala is not only the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Kennesaw State University but is also a talented dancer, choreographer, and professor of dance. Since founding the Department of Dance in 2005, he has helped it grow into the largest collegiate dance program in Georgia.

The fall performance was an exciting opportunity for students to “work with the provost, to demystify these rarefied roles in academia, and develop a relationship with him in a collaborative way,” says Marsha Barsky, chair of the Department of Dance.

Chasing Shadows

Choreography: Lisa K. Lock

"Chasing Shadows," draws inspiration from the intricate concepts of time and cycles. The performance dynamically warps, weaves, chases, and concludes, offering a non-linear journey through a mysterious maze of rhythms, sounds, and movements. The intention is to immerse the audience in an absorbing experience, inviting them to explore the captivating world created within the dance.

Vessels

Choreography: Autumn Eckman

Eckman’s piece Vessels is inspired by the potential of the body in motion. She choreographed with a specific image of the physical body as a vessel of limitless potential symbolized onstage by large hanging lanterns lit throughout the piece. During its creation, she drew inspiration from the dancers themselves through thematic exploration, improvisation and contemporary ballet movement.

Borders

Choreography: Kaolack (Pape Ibrahima Ndiaye)

BORDERS spirals through the West African philosophy of Sankofa, which is about reaching back to the past to retrieve what was left behind. An important theme for our work, Sankofa helped us investigate, inhabit, and cross borders of all kinds (geographic, social, artistic, temporal), and taught us the importance of where we come from, who we carry, and how we can move in new-old ways to get toward other futures.

ECOSYS™

Choreography: Dr. Ivan Pulinkala

Pulinkala's choreography in ECOSYS™ is based on an exploration of the science behind the development of an ecosystem. He choreographed the interface of the performers and video as a representation of the biotic and abiotic structures within an ecosystem. The work evolves through the stages of nudation, invasion, co-action, reaction and climax to metaphorically reflect life's journey.