Suzan Muhanna/Winonan

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Winona State University will host the 23rd annual Dancescape performance this February.

The show, which will run Feb. 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. each night, will be held on the main stage at the Performing Arts Center. The show will last about 90 minutes, with a ten-minute intermission.

An annual dance concert put together by Winona State students, faculty and the community, Dancescape first appeared in 1990.

This year, open auditions for choreographers and dancers took place in September and again in November.

Gretchen Cohenour, dance professor and dance program coordinator at Winona State, said that in the months before each show, “We become a family.”

“People fall in love with the process,” she said.

This year, 65 students, faculty and community members are performing.

Cohenour said each year a guest choreographer is brought to Dancescape to teach dancers different routines.

This year, Crystal Edwards, who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, prepared choreography and came to campus in early November to share her vision.

Shelley Gorak is the stage manager for the show.

Gorak, along with two assistants, prepares the floor, equipment, lighting and other details before every rehearsal and during performances.

“Talent and dedication is what makes the show run,” Gorak said. Gorak took a stage management class last year that put her on the list for being a stage manager for this year’s concert. She said “watching the dances evolve” is a rewarding part of her work.

Tracy Vanvoorst, costume designer, said “Usually, the best part is being done and seeing your work on stage.”

Modern dance typically dominates the concert, although there are always several types of dance. Genres such as contemporary ballet, jazz and dance theatre will be presented this year.

This year’s performances will also feature an African dance piece.

Cohenour said the piece entitled “Happiness” will show how happiness feels through dance.

“The Edge of Order” demonstrates the feel of “living in a world where we live in boxes of expectations,” Cohenour said.

Contact Suzan at [email protected]