KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 3, 2026

The Kennesaw State University Department of Dance at the Robert S. Geer Family College of the Arts presents its fall concert, Viewpoints. Running November 12–14, 2026, at the KSU Dance Theater on KSU’s Marietta campus, the production invites audiences to engage with movement as a powerful, embodied medium capable of evoking deep emotion, reflection and connection.

The title Viewpoints frames the rich diversity of artistic perspectives brought to the stage, featuring choreographic voices from KSU Dance faculty and dancers from the KSU Dance Company. Together, the choreographers — Andrea Knowlton, Shannon Alvis, KSU Alumnus Darvensky Louis, Leandro Glory Damasco Jr., and Gary W. Jeter II — offer a dynamic spectrum of creative philosophies and movement styles, as well as a contemplation for audiences on our own perceptions.

For example, Warp and Weft, Shannon Alvis’ piece is an exploration of the interconnectedness of time (past, present, future), while playing with viewpoints around the seen and unseen. 

“I challenged myself with the task of weaving together different movement styles by creating this piece for three dancers on pointe shoes and three dancers on flat shoes,” Alvis says. “I wasn’t sure how I would make this work, but the piece revealed itself in such beautiful and unexpected ways! I feel it became a true representation of the different strengths and passions that I had personally as a dancer and the ways in which they can come together.”

Another one of the centerpieces of the program is Beautiful Mourning, choreographed by Gary W. Jeter II. Performed to a diverse musical backdrop featuring Oleta Adams, Kid Cudi, Hugh Masekela, Nina Simone and Courtney Brian, the piece is designed not as a meditation on grief, but as a full celebration and total remembrance of loved ones who have passed. 

For Jeter, the piece is deeply personal. After returning to the Atlanta area a little over a year ago, he experienced the loss of several influential figures across different chapters of his life, including his former mentor, the legendary dance icon Carmen de Lavallade, and a close high school friend, James Hawkins. 

“This creation is a reflection not of grief, but the totality of remembrance and celebration of loved ones no longer here,” Jeter noted. “Instead of focusing solely on the loss, it’s about honoring the whole circle of who they were and the lasting impact they left on us.”

Working with the student ensemble, which features 15 dancers of varying years of experience, Jeter has focused on pushing the dancers beyond technical execution into deep emotional artistry. 

“I like to invite their artistry — something I can help mold, even if I can't do the work for them,” Jeter explained. “They’re building on the material, making the recipe better each time they rehearse.” 

Dynamic Works Across the Program

Alongside Alvis’ and Jeter’s works, Viewpoints showcases an expansive range of contemporary dance styles and collaborative concepts:

• waveworn: Choreographed by Andrea Knowlton in collaboration with the dancers, this opening work pairs fluid movement with a sound design featuring music by Julianna Barwick, Colleen, Nils Frahm, Johann Johannsson & Yair Elazar Glotman and Max Richter.
• Crash Landing: Choreographed by Darvensky Louis, this energetic, high-intensity piece features lighting design by David Reingold and an eclectic soundtrack ranging from Lina Filipovich to DOMI & JD BECK.
• Short Form Content: Choreographed by Leandro Glory Damasco Jr., this work highlights a 12-member cast moving to works by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, Franz Gordon and Gavin Luke. 

Check out a behind the scenes peek at rehearsals on our Instagram page >>

Performance & Ticket Details

• Tickets are still available and going fast!
• Venue: KSU Dance Theater (Marietta Campus), Joe Mack Wilson Student Center, 860 Rossbacher Way Marietta, GA 30060
• Dates & Times:
  Thursday, November 12 | 7:30 p.m. 
  Friday, November 13 | 8:00 p.m. (Note: There is a free high school student matinee performance on Friday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m.)
  Saturday, November 14 | 8:00 p.m.