LEWISTON — Featuring more than 50 performers, the annual Spring Dance Concert at Bates College’s Schaeffer Theatre, 329 College St., showcases original choreography by students in four performances:  7:30 p.m. Friday, March 30 and Monday, April 2;  5 p.m. Saturday, March 31; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 1.

The programs include senior thesis projects by two dance majors, Sofia Elbadawi of Fayetteville, N.Y., (“el oh vi ee”) and Jorge Piccole of Middleton, Mass., (“What Are We Dancing To?”) and choreography by students enrolled in dance composition courses.

In her thesis, Elbadawi uses “”choreographic exploration to examine and embody common metaphors for love.”” Piccole explores hip hop movement using musicality “”as well as lyrics for inspiration.””

Also on the program is “That’’s All, Folks,” co-choreographed by juniors Flannery Black-Ingersoll of Concord, N.H., and Johanna Hayes of Edwards, Colo. This work was premiered at the American College Dance Association’’s annual regional conference at Boston University in February and, out of 50-plus works, was a selection for the gala performance that closed the conference.

Since then Black-Ingersoll and Hayes have expanded this work into a triptych that navigates immediacy in physical action, memory and community in theme, and honesty in performance.

Student choreographers have dedicated well over six hours a week to the concert, in both developing their own material and preparing their performances in others’ works. Drawing on techniques and skills acquired this semester in the courses Dance Composition and Advanced Composition, the choreographers have not only created the dances but have engaged in technical production and design.

According to the 13 choreographers, the Spring Dance Concert is rich in dance that’s “exciting, empowering, honest and intense,” making it an engaging show for everyone.

The four-show run comprises two different programs. Program A will be offered on March 30 and April 1, and Program B on March 31 and April 2. Open to the public at no cost, each show will last about an hour and a quarter. Donations will be gratefully accepted.

Reservations are recommended, available at eventbrite.com/e/spring-dance-concert-tickets-42317792657?aff=es2. 

For more information, please call 207-786-6161.

A senior from Middleton, Mass., Jorge Piccole (at right) is one of two Bates seniors presenting thesis work at the 2018 Spring Dance Concert. (Photo: Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)