Courtney McCaw/Guest Contributor

It seems there is nothing better in winter than to approach a fire, feel its warmth and become entranced watching its flames dance.

Gretchen Cohenour, dance professor at Winona State University, gently tells me that Dancescape is like approaching a fire: warm and welcoming, but as entertaining and thrilling as watching a fire. She says it’s an opportunity to “chase away the winter’s doldrums” and enjoy art and the language of movement.

This is Dancescape’s 24th annual performance, which features original choreography created by faculty, students and guest artists. There are 55 individuals involved in creating this annual production, a grueling process that began last fall.

The auditions to participate in Dancescape are open to the entire WSU community, even to those with no dance, theater or performance experience. The arduous process of many auditions, the time and energy spent in hours of rehearsals, and the collaborative necessity of creating such a full-fledged production ensure an unforgettable experience for all.

Cohenour said she encourages first-time audience members to come with an open mind, suspend their judgment, engage their senses and be present with what’s arising in each moment of a dance.

Veteran student choreographer/dancer/production assistant Sydney Swanson has participated in Dancescape since she was a freshman in 2009.

Swanson said, “Dancescape means a chance to perform and choreograph something of meaning. To me, it isn’t just about showcasing the moves but telling and expressing something.”

Swanson has choreographed pieces for three years at Dancescape. This year Swanson’s piece is titled “Building Sense.” Swanson will also be dancing in Cohenour’s “Keep These Animals Afloat.”

Cohenour said dance is a unique and passionate art from. “Dance is an art form that exists in time and space, manifested through energy and weight and presence,” she said. “The time aspect makes it unique, like music, but it’s also visual, like paintings. It engages all the senses.”

She also said art has educational benefits. Artists, students exposed to art, and those involved in Dancescape all learn to think in multifaceted ways because they are using many sites of intelligence, which promotes growing and learning in all different directions.

Cohenour said the process leading up to the production of Dancescape requires discipline, dedication and an ability to go with the flow. Dancers, choreographers and crew members work hard in collaboration to bring together several different experiences for audiences to enjoy.

Cohenour even gets inspiration from watching things move, appreciating how even the tiniest snowflake has a movement phase full of spirals, flutters, texture and timing.
Certainly students and community members will be inspired and enthralled by the artistic excellence of their very own community members.

While each person may take something different away from their experience, none will regret witnessing the moving beauty and ranges of expression of dance.

Dancescape will be held in the Performing Arts Center at Winona State University.
Performances are Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for the public, $8 for students.