Roots is an evening of two distinctive dance works by Princeton seniors Naomi Benenson and Mandy Qua. These pieces both explore and challenge traditional ways of connecting with oneself and one’s community.
“Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23, explores the collective effort to combat the act of self-imposed isolation through the use of a bench, non-binary partnering, and the intricate relationship between the dancers and the musicians. The work opposes the traditional connectivity between dance and music by challenging the musicians to compose a musical score shaped by the movement of the dancers. Rather than the structuring of physical movement to a solidified musical soundscape, each evening the live musicians will craft a distinctive work informed by the dancers’ physicality within the space. Her dancer cast includes senior Leah Emanuel, juniors Olivia Buckhorn and Natalia Lalin, and sophomore Adam Davis. Her musician cast includes seniors Benny Rosenzweig on the tenor saxophone, Christien Ayers on the electric guitar, and Rachel Hsu on the violin, and juniors Alex Egol on the piano and Konstantin Howard on the tenor saxophone.
“Pamana” (the Tagalog word for “heritage” or “legacy”), choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23, features an all-Filipino cast. The piece explores the themes of agriculture, faith, and community rooted in friendship and “seed stories.” Seed stories are stories about seeds that are personally significant to individuals and aim to capture the rich cultures, histories, and connections between people that are embedded in the seeds.Through this work, audience members are encouraged to reflect on their own seed stories. Her cast includes senior Marissa Mejia, juniors Eudan Mojados and Kirsten Pardo, sophomores Cassie Eng and Martina Qua, and first-year student Maddy Mejia.
Tickets & Details
Performances are free and open to the public. No advance tickets or registration required.
Get directions and find venue information for the Hearst Dance Theater at the Lewis Arts complex.
Photo Gallery
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform “Inextricably Linked,” choreographed by Naomi Benenson ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
Dancers perform "Pamana", choreographed by Mandy Qua ’23. Photo by Felicity Audet
COVID-19 Guidance + Updates
Per Princeton University policy, all visitors are expected to be either fully vaccinated, have recently received and prepared to show proof of a negative COVID test (via PCR within 72 hours or via rapid antigen within 8 hours of the scheduled visit), or agree to wear a face covering when indoors and around others.
Accessibility
The Hearst Dance Theater is wheelchair accessible and has an assistive listening system. The March 3 performance will feature open/live captioning. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations. Guests in need of access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.
