Dancers celebrate Harvey Dunn’s legacy

Kristin Marthaler

Kristin Marthaler

Harvey Dunn touched many hearts at SDSU. One in particular was Ada Caldwell. She began as his art teacher, not knowing she would inspire a man who would become a nationally recognized painter.

Now, history lives on as Dunn continues to inspire those of a new generation.

College and high-school students, as well as a few adults, make up the 20 dancers who will perform a dance, put to music, inspired by the Dunn paintings. The performances will take place Sept. 21, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

After two years of preparing, Lindsie Page, a junior journalism major, is one of the dancers who plans to show SDSU the real Harvey Dunn.

She and her fellow performers have put a lot of time and effort into the dances. The idea for the show came from Melissa Hauschild-Mork, dance specialist for the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at SDSU. However, the entire group choreographed the show.

“It’s been a learning and growing experience. A lot of trial and error,” Page said.

The show will feature 10 to 15 dances that represent Dunn’s talent.

The dances will be accompanied by poems by author Darla Bielfeldt, which depict Dunn’s paintings.

“Some of the dances will have poems read before the dance, and other dances have the poems incorporated,” said Page.

Page was intrigued to try something new, and cannot wait to perform.

“I think students should know there is more to dance than entertainment; there is expression,” she said.

If all goes well, the dancers hope to perform the show in Sioux Falls.

#1.884370:564398016.jpg:Dancers.jpg:Two dancers practice their routine.: