Choreography

Choreographic Work

Abacus

Choreographer: Clara Kennedy, with Rehearsal Director Jonah Carrel, and Dramaturge India Patterson in collaboration with the dancers.  

Music: Song Title in “Mallet Quartet: 1. Fast,” by Steve Reich, “A Softer Blade,” by Ryan Lott, and “Shadow,” by Ernst Rejiseger  

Sound Design: Clara Kennedy  

Performers: Chloe Arterberry, Imani Baldwin, Hailey Burnett, Anna Clymer, Anna Creekmore, Grayson Kelsh, McCanzey Eli Motley, Candace Perry, and Cameron Vanderharr 

Lighting Design: Desmond Wiley  

Costumes: Clara Kennedy  

"Abacus" explores human habit, repetition, and the intricacies of existence, manifested through contemporary dance. Conceived by Clara Kennedy with rehearsal director Jonah Carrel, dramaturge India Patterson, and in collaboration with the dancers, this deeply personal and creative piece delves into the depths of the human psyche, unraveling the complex tapestry of our daily rituals and the patterns that govern our lives. 

Now, Run

Choreographer: Clara Kennedy

Music: Music by Kevin Penkin (Air, Tasukete, and Serphent Call); sound

score composed by Clara Kennedy

Cast: Chloe Arterberry, Morgan Burgess, Anna Clymer, Anna Creekmore,

Mac Koffa, Cameron Vanderhaar, Carina Young

Little habits make large changes. But what is the physical manifestation

of a habit? What does a large change look like? Now, Run. is a

contemporary piece that toys with the notion of a small habit, and turns

it on its head. Highly athletic movement relentlessly repeated, only to

create small changes over time. Pushing the dancers to their physical

limits, Now, Run. is a work that entices the viewers to grow comfortable

in the patterns they see before removing them.

Chiasmus

Choreographer: Clara Kennedy

Lighting Designer: Jay Armstrong, Kris Gooding

Performers: Ana Arledge, Mia Ortega, Natalia Nikitin, Ashton Wise

Music: "Mallet Quartet: III. Fast" by Steve Reich

Performed and Created at Jacob’s Pillow (2024)

"Chiasmus" is a contemporary dance piece that intricately explores the concept of chiastic structures through dynamic choreography and collaborative expression. The work deftly deconstructs and reimagines traditional forms, inviting audiences to experience the beauty and complexity of dismantled structures.

Echos

Choreographer and Director: Clara Kennedy

Dancers: Asha Chinfloo, Anna Clymer, and April Gonzalez

Production Assistant: Ally Marley

About: Echos (2023), directed and choreographed by Clara Kennedy, is a dance film that delves into themes of gender performance, womanhood, and the rituals of eating at a dinner table. The piece blends movement and visual storytelling, creating a reflective exploration of societal norms and personal identity, particularly surrounding the roles and expectations tied to gender and femininity.

Pants on Fridays

Choreography & Performance: Morgan Burgess, Clara Kennedy,

& Elijah Motley

Music: Leon Ware, MF Doom, Chicago Gangsters

Lighting: Christopher Fleming

Pants on Friday is a collaborative choreographed piece that pushes the boundaries of breaking and contemporary movement styles. Clara, Eli, and Morgan met every Friday, and as the piece was being formed there was a collective discovery that we needed to wear pants every Friday in order to follow through with the movement. Pants on Friday is an expression of our time together this semester, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed the work.