Dance Concert to Showcase Student Talent

Rome, Ga. — The Shorter University Dance Program will showcase the hard work of students in the upcoming spring dance concert. The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17, in the Arnold Art Gallery on Shorter’s Rome campus.
The concert, which is open to the public at no charge, will also feature the Refuge Dance Company and the choreography of Faith Im, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance at Shorter.
Photo caption: Shorter University dancers Traci Romero, left, and Chelsie Burks. Photo by Limitless Photography
Im said she loves seeing her students grow through the rehearsal process.
“As a dance instructor, I love seeing breakthroughs, aha moments, and growth in students,” Im said. “I love that the practice of dance cultivates vital life skills applicable outside of professional dancing – such as discipline, dedication, creativity, and problem-solving. It also cultivates character: through a balance of humility and pride, as well as an understanding of self-worth.”
Im said the dance program is excited to have Refuge Dance, a professional dance company from Marietta, will perform one of the five works at the concert, while the other four will feature Shorter students dancing works choreographed by Im.
The concert will cross the many spectrums and “flavors” of dance, Im said. The show includes a charismatic jazz and modern number, an upbeat and entertaining musical theatre dance, and a more reflective contemporary modern piece. The fourth piece, titled “Reach,” represents a collaboration with Shorter’s literary magazine, The Chimes. The dance incorporates the idea of “Selah,” which roughly translates to praise or pause and look up to God; Selah is the theme of this year’s edition of The Chimes.
“The enthusiasm of my students has inspired me artistically,” Im said in regard to her students’ concert preparation. “Each of them has shown dedication to this process in their own unique way.”
The dancers have been preparing for this concert since November 2017, Im added.
Written by Public Relations Intern Rachael Minard
Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review annually include Shorter on their lists of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, associate’s, and master’s programs.