Choreography: Alison Cook-Beatty Music: Sections of Arvo Pärt, Fũr Alina overlaid on parts of Dr. Martin Luther King’s sermon
“A Drum Major’s Instinct”, edited by Maddie Burnett. Dancers: Maddie Burnett, Hannah Dillenbeck, Ioanna Ionnides, Gion Treichler, Ava Trochiano, and Alison Cook-Beatty
Special Thanks to Mr. Robert Battle and Ms. Erika Batdorf for their guidance.
Premiered April 4th, 2025
“Enlightenment”, choreographed to Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct”, draws parallels between the current political events of 2025 and the tumultuous times of Dr. King’s era. The sermon speaks of human instincts which can lead man towards evil, and through the piece’s choreography we explore the effects that this instinct can have on individuals and on the communities that surround them. While the piece explores man’s potential for evil, “Enlightenment” most notably brings to light the power of love and of unity, and how this force can ultimately prevail over all.
