Meet the Choreographer | Joseph DeFriese

Our next featured student choreographer is Studio Company member Joseph DeFriese. He will be presenting his piece on Thursday, October 6th at 5:30PM, during Ballet 5:8’s Second Annual Student Produced Showcase, Joy in the Journey.

Joseph’s piece is a contemporary dance about burdens, entitled “Into the Light.” Joseph shares that his work explores the humanity of carrying burdens and feeling like we have to do it alone. He wants his piece to serve as a reminder that “We always can give that up to Christ and share that burden with the people He has placed in our lives.”

Joseph has thoroughly enjoyed the creative choreographic process, and this will be the fourth group piece he has created. He loves seeing everything in his head come to life, which allows him to express his intent behind the piece without ever saying a word. With “Into the Light,” Joseph focused on choreographing from a sincere perspective and heart. He set aside time to get into the specific stories and emotions behind each part of the work.

The relationship between concept and dancer is vital because, as Joseph explains, the idea behind the piece becomes transformed for the better when dancers incorporate their own perspectives and emotions into movement. Joseph would like to thank Amelia, Ananya, Nadia, and Sophia for being incredible dancers and bringing their unique strengths to make “Into the Light” complete.

You can see Joseph’s new work in person or online at the Student Produced Showcase October 6th!

Written by Morgan Rice