Washington and Lee Presents ‘W&L Dancers Create … 2020’ The award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company will perform W&L Dancers Create … 2020 virtually on Nov. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
W&L Dancers Create…Washington and Lee University’s award-winning W&L Repertory Dance Company will perform “W&L Dancers Create … 2020” virtually on Nov. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
The stream is open to the public, and it can be accessed for free at https://livestream.com/wlu.
The show comprises work choreographed, designed and performed by students, showcasing the diversity and talent within the department.
“It has definitely been a different year, with the show being online and all, but I do have to say that the best part of the company is bonding with the other dancers and being able to dance together, which thankfully we were still definitely able to do,” said Katana Fisher ’23, a dancer in the show. “I am so excited to watch this unique show and see how it all turned out.”
Lighting design students, under the direction of Shawn Paul Evans, professor of theater at W&L, are creating a visual context for each dance performance. The student choreographers and lighting designers worked together to create an artistic work. The shows will take place under the artistic direction of Celeste Lanuza, visiting assistant professor of dance at W&L.
“The creative process and final outcome of dance-making is a powerful unifying and artistic opportunity to enlighten and inspire,” said Lanuza. “In the process, students are engaged in critical thinking, supportive discussion, collaborative rehearsals, casting and showings – bringing this production from the stage to the screen.”
Lanuza is an instructor, choreographer, performer and philanthropist with experience in producing interdisciplinary works and artistic collaborations. She is an advocate for education, equity, racial inequities and female leadership. Her creative career has spanned from advocating for immigrant rights, BIPOC equity and amplifying underrepresented individuals to challenging racial stereotypes and empowering individuals.
Lanuza holds her master’s degree in dance choreography from UC Irvine and a bachelor’s degree in dance performance and musical theater from The University of the Arts. Lanuza is currently attaining her doctorate in performance studies and finds research and historical knowledge essential for sharing creative work with the public.
Founder and director of Celeste Lanuza Dance Theater, she has been invited to direct and choreograph for performances with the New York Fringe Festival, Salvatore Capezio Theater, Gelsey Kirkland Theater, The Guthrie Theater, Lula Washington Dance Theater and Laguna Dance Festival, among others.
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