亚博官方网站

KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 13, 2025

Double Exposure brings two bold new works to the stage, created during the prestigious Eleo Pomare鈥揋lenn Conner Choreographic Residency.

亚博官方网站鈥檚 Department of Dance is kicking off its 20th anniversary season with the world premieres of two original works by nationally acclaimed choreographers Gianna Burright and Leandro Damasco, created during the department鈥檚 prestigious Eleo Pomare鈥揋lenn Conner Choreographic Residency. 

鈥淭his residency is central to the department鈥檚 artistic identity,鈥� said Marsha Barsky, chair and professor of the Department of Dance. 鈥淚t allows us to consistently present bold, contemporary work while attracting choreographers who help shape our students鈥� artistic voices. It positions 亚博官方网站 Dance as a national center for creative innovation in dance.鈥� 

runs Aug. 21-23 at the 亚博官方网站 Dance Theater. This year鈥檚 choreographers, Gianna Burright and Leandro Damasco, bring distinct visions to the program. Burright, a 2024 Baryshnikov Arts Center Artist in Residence and Jacob鈥檚 Pillow Fellow, is known for emotionally nuanced, surreal choreography, and has presented in 15 countries. Damasco, a former resident choreographer with DIAVOLO and MFA graduate of UC Irvine, blends technical rigor with cinematic storytelling, with work showcased internationally and on 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Got Talent.鈥� 

The performance will showcase the choreographers鈥� contrasting styles. Burright鈥檚 piece explores themes of curiosity, childhood memory and the female experience, inspired by fairy tales and nature. She invites the audience to 鈥淭o experience the power of seeing young women supporting each other and connecting with the earth.鈥�

Damasco鈥檚 work is rooted in personal reflection and emotional depth, inspired by a love letter and the question: 鈥淲hat would you do if tomorrow were your last day?鈥� Featuring a visual countdown, the piece explores time, regret and human connection.

Both choreographers emphasized the collaborative nature of the residency. Burright described her process as 鈥渨orld-building,鈥� coaching dancers to embody characters within a carefully crafted environment. Damasco invited dancers to share personal reflections, weaving their voices into the choreography. 鈥淚 wanted to make sure the piece was theirs 鈥� not just mine,鈥� he said.

The residency was made possible through generous support from the Eleo Pomare/Glenn Conner Trust, which also funds student scholarships. This support removes financial barriers and connects students with renowned artists, opening doors to future opportunities. Double Exposure stands as an example of how donor and grant funding enrich student experiences and strengthens the arts at 亚博官方网站 and connects this Metro Atlanta community with industry-leading instructional models, collaboration and performance.

As the first performance of the department鈥檚 20th anniversary season, Double Exposure marks a milestone in 亚博官方网站 Dance鈥檚 legacy. 鈥淚t feels special to be a small part of the 20 years of magic-making that has happened here,鈥� Burright said. 鈥淧rograms like this are what we need more of in higher education: to support the dance ecosystem and help students transition into the professional world.鈥�

With Double Exposure launching the 20th anniversary season of 亚博官方网站 Dance, the program celebrates two decades of bold artistry and looks ahead to inspiring the next generation of choreographers and performers. . 

--Brooke Marier