Choreographic Showcase

The piece "Being" by Mackenzie Casperson explores the spiritual experience.  Anchored by a quote by the French philosopher Pierre Chardin. He states, “we are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience”. 

Through countless hours of research and investigation Mackenzie created a world and community within this piece. The movement flowed from section to section as we experience in life. Chiffon Fabric was used to represent the dancers' spiritual self. Through costuming and lighting a fun and colorful world was created. 

Pretty Young thing was a duet exploring the various things experienced from girlhood to adulthood. Mackenzie explored her and her dancers most memorable girlhood moments. Mackenzie also looked at the struggles of the transition from girlhood to womanhood and beyond.  

Mackenzie gathered reflections on this topic from her dancers. She discussed feelings and emotions that came up in this piece and how to harness them. Mackenzie drew inspirations from childhood, Florence and the machine, Billie Eilish, America Ferreras' speech in the 2023 Barbie film, the film Burlesque, Fosse, Modern, Contemporary and Pink Floyd. All of these various elements came together for a visually impactful experience of going through girlhood to womanhood. 

This piece took the dancers and the audience through several emotions within 12 short minutes. The piece started with the dancers playing dress up and tag as many of us did as children. They then moved into the fun and fast paces of life as a young teenager. The dancers went through the struggles of being a woman. The end was a celebratory dance, the joy of being a woman. Owning your body, expressing yourself, and dancing like no one is watching.