Presented by Princeton University’s Program in Dance.
On Being: New Dance Works by Becca Berman + Leah Emanuel
Run Time
Approximately 70 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Special Notes
Please silence all electronic devices including cellular phones, beepers and watches for the duration of the performance. Please refrain from text messaging during the performance.
Production Team
Lighting Designer: Tess James
Costume Designer: Keating Helfrich
Stage Manager: Mary-Susan Gregson
Sound Operator: Neil Jernigan
Run Crew: Jakob Rosenthal, Vivian Li ’24*, Heather Samberg ’23*
Faculty Advisor
Rebecca Stenn, Choreographic and Production Advisor
Order of Performances
artistic wandering
Choreographer: Leah Emanuel ’23*
Music: McCoy Tyner, arranged & performed by Vince di Mura
Spoken Word: Sara Sacofsky
Poetry: Leah Emanuel, with contributions from Sara Sacofsky
Dancers: Naomi Benenson ’23*, Olivia Buckhorn ’24*, Leah Emanuel ’23*
In this work, I consider uncertainties that guide the human experience and have defined my own depths of existential disconnect. The culmination of this process is the understanding that life, itself, with all of its cruelty and beauty, is an artistic act. Life is choreographically composed by moments of difficulty, of suffering and self-loss, of absolute freedom, complete trust, and unquestioned joy.
The work pairs together spoken word with the movement of the dancers. The relationship between the choreography and the poetry is built upon the impermanence of these intersecting art forms. With respect to this dynamic, the words are intended to be heard and not read, however the poems are accessible to read.
— Intermission —
Frame of Mind
Choreographer: Becca Berman ’23*
Music: Soundscape by Vince di Mura based on music by Gnarls Barkley, Son Lux, Phillip Glass, Florence and the Machine, and Young the Giant.
Dancers: Ethan Arrington ’25, Kyle Ikuma ’23*, Theresa Lim ’24, Emilia Santianni ’25, Lucy Sirrs ’23*, Clara Toujas-Bernate ’25, Kristen Umbriac ’24, Belinda Wu ’25
In this work, I explore and project the inner workings and landscape of the mind. As we go about life navigating different sides, dispositions, and tendencies of our own mind, we find our mental world to be a mysterious place, one with a complicated relationship to our self and everyday existence.
* denotes a certificate student in the Program in Dance
A Note from the Choreographers
We would like to thank the Lewis Center for the Arts and Program in Dance for providing their endless support throughout the creation of these projects. These works are the culmination of so much growth as dancers and artists during our time at Princeton, and they would not have been possible without a program so welcoming and nourishing of our creative aspirations. To this beautiful space and the individuals who make it so special, we are forever grateful.
To our teachers, mentors, families, and friends: thank you, for everything. We owe so much of who we are today and how these theses have coalesced to your endless support, guidance, and care.
To our incredible casts: thank you for your time, energy, courage, and creativity throughout this journey. You are each amazing artists and we are so honored that you have shared in this process with us.
To the audience: we hope this evening’s works challenge you to turn inward, to question, to find joy, to rest in the presence of the moment. Enjoy.
— Becca Berman + Leah Emanuel
Land Acknowledgement
We invite you to learn more about:
- The Native and Indigenous Studies Initiative at Princeton
- The lesser-known history of Princeton
- Review a map of native lands to discover the Indigenous history of the lands to which you are connected
Lewis Center for the Arts
Chair: Judith Hamera
Executive Director: Marion Friedman Young
Director of Program in Dance: Susan Marshall
Associate Director of Program in Dance: Rebecca Lazier
View a full list of the Program in Dance Faculty & Guest Artists
For a look at all the people working behind the scenes to bring you this event, view a full list of LCA staff members »
