Dancers put on a show of political, social portrayals in the performance “Intersections”

A warm light and striking clapping sounds flood the stage in the Stephens Hall Theatre.

Frozen in action, dancers clap their way to an intersection of movement and sound.

This is “Intersections,” a performance featuring the works of the Towson University Dance Company, the ballet and the men’s modern dance repertory classes.

The 20-person dance company opens the show with “Change?,” which integrates musical styles ranging from Antonio Vivaldi to Mary J. Blige.

Assistant Director of Dance Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell described “Intersections” as a time when similar or different ideas happen and come together.

Fisher-Harrell choreographed “Change,” and said that the piece is meant to inspire others to be themselves.

“It’s about not worrying what people say and what people think,” she said. “It’s about being yourself and … expressing yourself no matter what.”

Fisher-Harrell said the company emphasizes passion and skill over seniority, and that it’s normal for several freshmen to be featured in the show.

“If they’re talented, it really doesn’t matter,” she said.

The rest of “Intersections” is a combination of pieces mostly choreographed by Towson professors, including Fisher-Harrell, associate professor of dance Vincent Thomas and lecturer Runqiao Du.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle choreographed the finale, “Battlefield.”

All of the pieces correspond through movement and sound unintentionally and bring a sense of cohesiveness to the show, Fisher-Harrell said.

Thomas’ piece, titled “Occupy,” features an emotional and politically driven poem spoken by the dancers and written by Cathy Draine.

“The text has a rhythmic sound score and encompasses the heartbeats of many ancestors of different cultures,” Thomas said.

Megan Atkinson, a junior dance performance major, said the dances address relatable social, political and personal issues.

“It tells a story about how you perceive and approach these challenges,” she said.

Atkinson said “Occupy” is organic and is the physical portrayal of social and political issues.

“What occupies your soul? Your mind? Your space? What’s around you,” Atkinson said.

Danielle Cook, a junior dance performance and education major, said the ballet repertory piece “Intermix” is a breath of fresh air for the show.

“It’s the happy medium between both the sense of attack and flow,” Cook said.

The pieces are all brought together by concept, but there are also connections made through sound and movement, Atkinson said.

“[The] uniqueness brings out different qualities in all of the dancers,” Atkinson said.