WashU Dance Theatre debuts six new works in Edison Theatre
Choreographer Shura Baryshnikov leads a three-night residency program featuring six distinct pieces.
By Luana Sato ·
More than 50 theatrical and musical credits define the career of choreographer Shura Baryshnikov. Her recent work includes the 2022 film “Svadba” and her role as movement coordinator for the Apple TV series “Widow’s Bay.” Baryshnikov served as the Marcus Artist-in-Residence in the Performing Arts Department this fall. The department will debut her new piece, “A Dance For Eleven,” as the final act of the 2026 performance “right now.”
The three-night concert takes place at WashU’s Edison Theatre. The program features six new and original works created by resident and guest choreographers. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7. A Sunday matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 8. All shows occur in the Edison Theatre inside the Mallinckrodt Student Center at 6465 Forsyth Blvd.
Artistic director David Marchant, a professor of the practice in dance, describes live dance as an art form that is difficult to preserve. He notes that the material is intrinsically ephemeral. Marchant says these events allow audiences to experience the sensation of witnessing art being created in the moment.
The program opens with “Counterpoints” by Liz Lloyd. Lloyd is a master of fine arts candidate in dance and a former company dancer for the Saint Louis Ballet. She states the piece was inspired by the dancers’ dynamic attack and technique. Lloyd wanted to create a work that celebrates these specific qualities.
Marchant presents “Play it Again,” a piece rooted in Contact Improvisation practices. The work uses the Round Robin format to build skills and dialogue among dancers. Marchant describes the result as an improvised performance that resembles choreography in consistency but remains unique in every performance.
Elinor Harrison, a lecturer in dance and faculty affiliate in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, choreographs “I got it from my Mother.” Harrison, who holds a 2001 AB and 2018 PhD from WashU, created the piece in collaboration with the dancers. The work draws on various genres to chart the body as an ever-changing vessel.
Liz Stillerman Anderson, who joined the department this fall, presents “Landings.” This is her first work for the department. Inspired by Caroline Shaw’s album “Orange,” the piece reflects on how experience and memory shape identity. Guest artist Renée Austin, a 2023 BA graduate, presents “Now thAt we’Re HERE, are YOU READY?” The work explores despair, hope, and resistance under global pressure. Baryshnikov closes the program with her spontaneously composed episodic piece.
