Governors State University’s Dance Company Will “RISE UP” to Social Injustice Through Dance

University Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Join the Governors State University (GSU) Dance Company as they dance for social justice in their upcoming production: RISE UP! Truth to Power running March 10 and 11 at the Center for Performing Arts (CPA). With original choreography by GSU faculty, students, and alumni, RISE UP! features diverse and provocative performances that defy classification: including hip-hop, praise dance, contemporary, modern jazz, and more.

Company Director and Assistant Professor of Dance Megan Lindsay says the show will tackle a variety of themes, including, “social justice inequities, abuse of power, breaking generational curses; the role of religion and the church in restoring and affirming community strength and power, mental health stigma, and the need for systematic change.”

The company has been in rehearsal since mid-September; crafting eight dances for this riveting and one-of-a-kind production. The company will also continue its history of collaborating with local dance companies. Three local dance companies will participate in RISE UP! including: Safe Haven Arts Productions founded by GSU dance company member Tashona Butts, the Crete-Monee High School Warrior Guard Team in collaboration with company member Renee Striverson, and Studio on Main is collaborating with alumna and dance company member Sadee Wuerthrich.

GSU student and Company President Marquis Parks shares, “As a black man that struggles with every one of these issues (police brutality, body positivity, self-empowerment, and bullying), it’s challenging to find an outlet to address my concerns. I would not want anyone to experience any of these situations. I believe that we are doing a justice to society by raising awareness and advocating for change.” The goal of this performance is to spark conversations about these issues and amplify voices of those who have been silenced and unheard.

My’Anna Perdue, company dancer, choreographer, and GSU student, tells audiences to, “Be prepared to embrace your emotions, be open-minded and willing to empathize…everyone can relate to this production; be ready to change your outlook on life.”

The company has dedicated RISE UP! to Chasette Simeon, GSU student and company member who passed away in November 2022.

MEET THE GSU DANCE COMPANY

TICKETS

$15 and $10 for students with valid I.D.

To purchase tickets, call (708) 235-2222; visit www.CenterTickets.net; or visit the box office.

BOX OFFICE HOURS

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.;

Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Open two hours prior to show times.

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“RISE UP” to Social Injustice Through Dance

Governors State University’s Dance Company will

“RISE UP” to Social Injustice Through Dance

_{Directed by Megan Lindsay} 

Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
BUY TICKETS or Contact the Box Office 

COVID-19: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The CPA is committed to promoting practices that prioritize the health and safety of its patrons. Currently, face masks are optional for audience members. Hand sanitizer will be made readily available throughout the venue. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and do not attend an event. The Center’s COVID-19 policies coincide with Governors State University’s. For the most updated COVID-19 policies being implemented across campus please visit: https://www.govst.edu/coronavirus/