Moorpark College’s Dance Department is wrapping up ten weeks of rehearsals for this fall’s dance concert. ‘Speaking Movement’ debuts Thursday, November 16 at the Performing Arts Center.

This multi-faceted concert, co-directed by dance professors Vivian Goldes and Robert Salas, is a collaboration in every sense of the word. Moorpark College dance students are joined by the Moorpark College Touring ensemble, Dance 56, which is directed by dance professor and professional choreographer, Beth Megill.

Eighteen Moorpark College students are involved in the production. Three of these students are also choreographing dances in the show, Miel Apostol, Tin Nguyen and Jared Cardiel. Ventura College joins the production with a dance they will present.

“This collaborative process is just a great way of learning,” said Salas.

Former Moorpark College production student, Annie Sherman, has returned as costume designer, and students from other programs like lighting, theatre and music are involved.

Kenneth Walker, artistic director of Los Angeles based professional dance company, Kenneth Walker Dance Project, is also collaborating as guest choreographer. One dance performance is choreographed by Moorpark College dance professor, Vivian Goldes, which will be performed to a poetry recitation.

While this year’s Speaking Movement Dance Concert does not have one central theme, Goldes speaks of its collaborative dance efforts, and the variety offered through this collaboration.

“Each choreographer [is] expressing their story or ideas through movement, the language of dance. Each piece was created by a different choreographer — a student, faculty or guest,” said Goldes. “The concert has a variety of dance styles which makes it an interesting and exciting dance concert experience,” she added.

Co-director, Salas has recently lost family, a colleague from Moorpark College, and a colleague from Cypress College to cancer, which has inspired this work for him.

“My [idea] is a poem or prayer to those battling cancer or who have succumbed to cancer,” said Salas. “This [performance] is a personal prayer for those who have passed, and to honor their memory.” For me this [show] is a way of re-engaging in the ritual, and moving on as part of the recovery process.”

“I want audiences to enjoy the evening, and also reflect on those who’ve passed or experienced any kind of loss, and embrace and celebrate it. Death frightens us. But we should think about it and embrace that,” said Salas. “In this way, art is much more than entertainment. It’s a transformative experience.”

Goldes wants audiences to connect to the show, and recognize the beauty of dance.

“Whether it triggers a memory or feeling that they can relate to in their own lives, [audiences] can appreciate the art form of dance as a way of expression connected to everyday life,” she said.

Don’t miss this transformative and exciting experience. Performances run 8 to 9:30 p.m., November 16-18, and 2 to 3:30 p.m., November 19. For more information, contact Professor Salas at [email protected]. Purchase tickets at the box office, 805-378-1485 or [email protected].