BFA students at the University of Colorado Boulder take their bow during the “Catapult” performance. (Sophia Collins/ CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Theatre and Dance presented the “Catapult” dance concert this past weekend at the Charlotte York Irey Theatre. The performance was both choreographed and performed by BFA students at CU.
The concert featured seven pieces, each tackling experimental methods and subject matter such as emotional distress and religious trauma. The performance showcased several genres of dance, including tap, modern and house.
Angela Gumieniak using a book and a shredder as part of the Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
Each piece was choreographed by a senior dance major as part of their capstone project. The show had been under work since August. The program ran from Friday, Feb. 7, to Sunday, Feb. 9.
“It feels crazy that it’s my turn,” Becca Schaff, a choreographer for the performance, said. “But it’s very exciting and a long time coming.”
Dancers highlighted by the use of red lights in Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
Schaff, drew inspiration for her piece from Denver’s house and club culture. Her piece served as the show’s finale and featured a live DJ.
Performers dancing during rehearsal of Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
For the past three years, “Catapult” has only featured four pieces. This year’s performance spotlighted seven graduating seniors, each presenting their own choreography.
“I’m grateful,” Schaff said. “… this group of BFAs is really exciting.”
Becca Schaff and Devon Beckum thanking the audience and asking for support for future events at the end of Catapult dance concert rehearsal at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
Dancers auditioned for this production in the fall. Choreographers selected their cast, often featuring fellow seniors. Many dancers are featured in multiple pieces, with each piece running approximately 12 minutes.
Group choreography during the Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
Maddie Dusel is a junior and dances in four of the pieces.
“We’ve been working on this since August,” Dusel said. “I’ve gone through the cycles of change throughout the process… It’s like I’m learning and growing with them.”
Trio performing in Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/CU Independent)
The completion of this capstone project is long awaited for the dance department, and it signifies a finishing milestone for their BFA education. Seniors will spend the remainder of the semester researching and writing about their dances for their thesis papers.
Dancers cheering during the Catapult dance concert at Charlotte York Irey Theatre on Feb. 6, 2025. (Azucena Flores/ CU Independent)
“To think of everything that goes along with [putting your work on stage], I feel like the BFAs deserve a lot of praise,” choreographer Cleo Washington said.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sophia Collins at Sophia.Collins@colorado.edu.
Contact CU Independent Photographer Azucena Flores at Azucena.Flores@colorado.edu.
