Florida State University’s School of Dance presents Master of Fine Arts candidate Aigars Larionovs’ “Rules of Engagement 2.0” in partial fulfillment of the MFA degree in Dance.
The performances, which are free and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in the Grand Studio at Montgomery Hall, Room 215. Seating is limited, and doors open 30 minutes before the start time.
“Rules of Engagement 2.0” is the culmination of Aigars Larionovs’ research at the FSU School of Dance. The work investigates presence in practice and performance through ideas present in capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian movement culture) and mixed martial arts.
Through various improvisation structures and choreographic prompts, the dancers are moved to the edges of their physical ability. Created through constant dialogue with the cast, “Rules of Engagement 2.0” puts the dancers’ problem-solving skills to the test with layered improvisation prompts that relate to each other and their environment.
Throughout its creation process, the project has brought in a variety of collaborators, including original musical accompaniment written and recorded by Aaron Houston, a doctoral candidate at FSU’s College of Music. Before entering the performance space, the audience will be able to view a movement-inspired visual art display by Austin Yorke, an adjunct professor at the FSU College of Fine Arts. The cast will include students Cailey Campbell, Hope LeClair, Scott Lindenberg, Mackenzie Payne (Z), Aliya Siegel and Maria White, as well as Ian Slayton from the Tallahassee Allied Capoeira League.
For more information, visit dance.fsu.edu.