To conclude the Homecoming festivities, the Freed Center for the Performing Arts invited the Inlet Dance Theatre to perform a series of three dances with the ONU Dance Company. The interpretive dance style incorporates untraditional choreography into routines for an enhanced level of storytelling.
Inlet Dance Theatre is an Ohio-based contemporary dance company that “focuses on craftsmanship and mastery while employing a collaborative creative process in the development of new work.” Since its founding in 2001, Inlet has reached international audiences and strives to inspire personal growth and a passion for the arts in all who experience their performances.
Sophomore exercise physiology student Molly Moshier minored in dance to continue pursuing her passion for the arts. Working directly with Inlet’s founder, Bill Wade, has been a monumental opportunity for her dance career.
“For me, it has been a valuable and fun experience working with the Inlet Dance Company because it has brought me out of my comfort zone and also allows me to experience a different style and technique of dance,” Moshier reflected. “Learning through Bill has been very informative as he has told us his experiences within the dance world, within his company, and outside of it. Bill has given us many lessons on not only dance, but also on life practices.”
One of Moshier’s favorite aspects of the performance was developing the improvisation piece. While she was skeptical of her ability to improvise an eight minute dance, the continuous training throughout tech week boosted her confidence.
“Being in the improvisation piece, I have gotten a lot of information on how to manipulate movements that have been given to us…Bill has given us numerous techniques to make dance thought of on-the-spot look like a choreographed piece,” wrote Moshier. “I can’t wait to see what this brings to the concert dancing with some dancers from the Inlet Dance Company.”
Through Ohio Northern’s Theatre Arts program, students like Moshier are able to collaborate with distinguished guests to enhance their skill sets and expand their breadth of knowledge in the industry.
“How [Bill] talks about his dancers shows the true bond that the dance community can bring to people, and [he] has continued to do this within the ONU Dance Company as well,” Moshier remarked. “It has been such a beneficial experience that I will continue to remember years from now.”
ONU Dance Company rehearsing for her performance with the Inlet Dance Theatre (Mia’s Moments Photo/Mia Velasquez)