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. Tickets are $15 for CWRU students with ID, $17 for seniors age 60+, CWRU personnel and non-CWRU students, and $20 for general admission.
