Kaleidoscope Dance Company's Fall Concert: Honoring Jill Priest

Nov. 21-23, 2024
7:30 p.m.
UCO's Mitchell Hall

The UCO Department of Dance will present the Kaleidoscope Dance Company’s fall concert at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21-23, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on Central’s campus. This year’s concert holds special significance, including “Roots in Red Dirt,” a piece choreographed by the late Jill Priest, former dance faculty member and assistant dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.

Choreographed in 2008, “Roots in Red Dirt” explores the story of Priest’s family and their journey to settle in Oklahoma, reflecting her passion for storytelling through movement and her deep connection to her home state. The tribute performance will feature members of the Kaleidoscope Dance Company alongside alumni Alexander Olivieri, M.F.A., UCO assistant professor of dance, and Gildas Lemonnier, guest performer, to honor Priest’s impact on UCO and her profound love of dance.

The concert will also feature original works by UCO faculty members, including Kambour; Michelle Moeller, M.F.A., chair and professor; Hui Cha Poos, instructor; and, adjunct instructors Kyera Fitzgerald and Kim Loveridge.

Renowned guest choreographers Mike Esperanza, from New York City; Taryn Vander Hoop, from Los Angeles; Harper Harris, from Oklahoma City; and UCO alumnus Nate Tylor, from Oklahoma City, will also contribute, bringing a rich blend of dance styles such as modern, hip-hop, jazz and musical theatre to the stage.

The Kaleidoscope Dance Company includes 19 talented students and the junior company, KD2, adds 22 dancers to the program. Both groups have dedicated extensive time and effort to bring this meaningful performance to life.

The Kaleidoscope Dance Company is UCO's touring dance company. The company seeks to enliven, entertain and educate audiences with its varied repertoire of modern dance, ballet, jazz, aerial and theatre dance. In addition to two annual concerts at UCO, the company performs at festivals around the US and participates in study tours, further enhancing their professional exposure to a career in dance. 

We appreciate your support! In the unlikely event of inclement weather or unforeseen cancellation, the UCO Foundation kindly requests that you consider the full registration amount as a donation. We will keep you informed if such circumstances arise.