Ella H. or Mark M. Magruder, Associate Professors of Dance

Ella and Mark Magruder are associate professors of dance at SBC. They have their own dance company called Menagerie. They perform throughout the year. This summer they performed in Finland. The first dance you will see, Symbiosis, is their signature work. A signature work is a piece that is closest to the artist's heart. Ella and Mark have performed this dance hundreds of times from New York City to the smallest rural schools in southwestern Virginia. People have marveled at the lifts and balances and have been amused by the kinetic humor. Ella and Mark have been inspired by science, many times using science as the impetus for their dances. Symbiosis is the way that species help and support each other within the natural world. Clown fish and sea anemones are represented in this dance along with other more farfetched symbiotic relationships.

Ricochet, choreographed by dance major Marisha Bourgeois, is a strong example of some of the many excellent student-choreographed works performed at SBC. Marisha has worked with the abstract mood in this dance, contrasting positive and negative on many levels of meaning. The partner work in this piece is excellent.

Changes? choreographed by Landis Addison, uses the dance vocabulary in a powerful way. Race relations in the 60s and 90s are explored. The technique in this dance is polished, their unison is well done. This dance has a powerful message.

Scream, choreographed by dance major Leigh Mason, is one of the best solos created by a student at SBC. Leigh has used dance to express her innermost feelings. She is an amazingly open and expressive dancer.

Vaulted Memories, choreographed by dance major Catherine Zahrn, uses the architecture of SBC as its inspiration. The campus was designed by the architect Ralph Adams Cram. Catherine studied the linear structures and used many of her discoveries in her dance. The candles are reminiscent of the candle ceremony called Lantern Bearing that is a part of Sweet Briar's tradition. Sweet Briar is an amazing place, and many people use the grounds as the source for their creative and scientific works.

Drive, choreographed by Mark Magruder, shows how humor can be used in dance. Not all has to be serious. This dance is about the absurdity of always having to be the first or the best. An excerpt is shown here.

Dance at Sweet Briar is a multilevel experience, classes are open to everyone.

The video will also be available for viewing during Orientation.