Fresno State Theater and the Contemporary Dance Ensemble are kicking off the Spring 2024 season with its spring dance concert, “Extrapolations 2024.”

“Extrapolations 2024” will be an artistic and enthralling performance featuring carefully curated pieces from seven professional dance artists, faculty and student choreographers offering a blend of dance works.

“It’s super important to support the Contemporary Dance Ensemble because students are also putting in the work to choreograph,” said Alicia Longoria, student choreographer for “Extrapolations 2024.”

With a variety of choreographers and dedicated dancers, the event offers a glimpse into the beauty and emotion of the human experience through movement.

“We have two student choreographers this year, Alicia Longoria and Collin Bresenio, who made two different pieces and both were stylized to each choreographer,” Longoria said.

The show will be held on Feb. 9-10 and Feb. 13-17 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the John W. Wright Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the box office before the concert.

The show, organized and choreographed by artistic director Kenneth Balint, will artistically blend improv and the joy of physical movement.

“The choreography of Kenneth Balint, Collin Bresenio, Bella Dreizler, Alicia Longoria, Kathy Luo, Robert Moses and Chafin Seymore will be presented in this innovative and athletic program,” Balint said. “They were chosen to challenge the artists and grow as creative individuals.”

Balint has worked professionally as a choreographer, dancer and dance educator and is currently a professor for the Department of Theater and Dance. He believes that dance is impactful and measurable and strives to serve the community of dance and arts meaningfully through his years of teaching ballet all over America.

“These works delve into diverse themes such as the intricacies of life, passion, the nuances of human relationships and much more,” Balint said.

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble starts preparing for the February concerts in the fall and produces one mainstage dance concert a year. This will be the first show for the spring season, exploring complex themes performed by student dance members.
“It’s lots of hard work in the fall and lots of performing in the spring,” Balint said. ”This year’s ensemble has been a blast to work with in their journey to the performance stage.”

Transitioning from intense rehearsals to anticipated performances, the show will highlight the work of passionate dancers and choreographers.

“Dance is universal. It’s something we all enjoy and share,” Balint said. “Come support the ensemble and enjoy the dancing.”