MVC Division of Fine Arts to Present “Brave, A Rock Ballet”

Together, the Division of Fine Arts Departments of Dance and Theatre will present “Brave, A Rock Ballet.” The production will be held on February 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and on February 10 at 3:00 p.m. All performances will be held in the Eckilson-Mabee Theatre located on the Missouri Valley College campus.

The production will be directed by Jay Rozema, professor of theatre and chair of fine arts, and choreographed by Janie Morgan, professor of dance.

MVC students involved in the production include Miyu Shito, DaShonda Johnson, Lankyn Lee, Rosemarie Bennett, Erica Moreno, Carlos Silva and Amaijah Ibrahim. MVC alumni involved in the production include Kelby Hogan and Torey Spitzig. Harold Hynick, associate professor of theatre, will also be in the performance. Throughout the production, the MVC Repertory Dance Ensemble will perform a number of dances.

Individuals outside of the MVC community will also be involved in the production including Broadway Bound Dance Studio students Laural DePaoli, Audrey Quint, Akelyha Palmer and Summer Franklin; Shapes Dance and Acro Studio students Baily Varner and Carlee McGraw; and Studio A Dance Conservatory student Natalie Windle.

“Brave, A Rock Ballet” is an original production based on the album “Brave” by Marillion.  It tells the story of a girl (Summer Franklin and Carlee McGraw) who survives a horrible childhood and the struggles she faces to survive. As an adult the girl (Miyu Shito) eventually runs away from home and begins to search for love, trust and a belonging in a big city filled with loneliness and false acceptance. She seeks love and trust but does not know how to find it. One person (DeShonda Johnson) hopes to change the girl’s life but is faced with a challenge when the girl is found on a bridge hoping to end her life.

Admission to the performance is free. Donations to support MVC Dance are appreciated.