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Tribute Dance Video, Vanish, Honors BYU Class of 2020

BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT) dances to Vanish, a piece exploring isolation, loneliness, support, friendship, togetherness and hope.

Visiting from NYC, choreographer Jesse Ombreski created the piece as a spiritual journey for all involved. It was shot and edited by Scott Cook Films. BYU Assistant Professor of Dance Keely Song, who is also Artistic Director of CDT, produced the film.

BYU graduating seniors from the Class of 2020 share their thoughts about Vanish, working with Jesse and dancing at BYU.

In their own words:

Bronte Hopkins

Bronte Hopkins, Dance Education Major, Class of 2020 ~ It was such a wonderful experience working with Jesse Obremski, as he is a talented choreographer and such a generous human being. It felt like a journey. “It’s all about the humanity,” is what Jesse would often remind us throughout the entire process working with him. Read More…

2001-29 0144 2001-29 Contemporary Dance January 15, 2020 Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2019 All Rights Reserved photo@byu.edu (801)422-7322

Jenni Zackrison Humphrey ~ Class of 2020, Dance Education Major ~ I feel like this piece and our dance community in general is all about supporting one another. In this dance, we focused on supporting Ben but it works the same way for anyone and everyone else. It was a special experience to be a part of this dance as part of my final performance at BYU. Read more…

BYU Contemporary Dance Theatre, 2019-2020

Vanessa Redden, Dance Minor, CDT President, Class of 2020 ~ The creative process with Jesse Obremski was a memorable and unique experience. I’ve never worked with someone who puts so much heart into their work and also creates a space of individual self-discovery for his dancers. Read more…

2001-29 0388 2001-29 Contemporary Dance January 15, 2020 Photography by Nate Edwards/BYU © BYU PHOTO 2019 All Rights Reserved photo@byu.edu (801)422-7322

Taft M. Robinson, Class of 2020, MDT Major ~ I was humbled and inspired after working with Jesse [Obremski]. Seeing and experiencing the collaborative process between his vision and us dancers was a real treat. The movement in Vanish explored the intricate experiences of connection among people; loneliness, a warm embrace, peaceful solace, seeking others, and community. Read more…

Keely Song Glenn, Artistic Director, CDT

Keely Song, BYU Assistant Professor of Dance, CDT Artistic Director, Vanish Producer ~ This week we celebrate the flight of seniors and reflect back on those who have impacted our lives for good. As a tribute to the vitality of human connection and a hope for the day when we can one day physically connect to each other again, we are releasing Vanish, a screendance choreographed by Jesse Obremski and filmed by Scott Cook with music by Jarom Hanson. Performed by the CDT company, Vanish reminds us of our humanity and the power of lifting others on this journey called life. Congratulations to the class of 2020. Read more…