UNCSA dance film 'The Way Back' explores the profound journey of reconnection

"The Way Back," a contemporary dance film choreographed by UNCSA School of Dance alumni Grady McLeod Bowman (B.F.A. '05) and Ashley Lindsey (B.F.A. '07), features 52 dance students and examines the intricacies of human navigation through life's twists and turns.

Exploring the concept of getting lost along our paths and having to confront the formidable forces and energies that threaten to keep us divided, the film follows an unexpected separation and the relentless pursuit of reunion, reconnection, and the profound significance of finding our way back amidst the chaos.

Bowman is an NYC-based international choreographer and creative artist whose work has spanned Broadway, off-Broadway, television, circus, dance companies and universities. Bowman was praised as "exceptionally versatile" and "on the rise" by "Dance Magazine." He also received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for best choreography for "Singin' in the Rain" at the Olney Theatre Center.

Lindsey is the director of the UNCSA Summer Dance and Professional Studies workshop. He recently completed a two-year appointment as a visiting guest professor at the School of Dance. His choreography includes both concert and commercial dance projects. He recently premiered his piece "Portal" for UNCSA's Spring Dance Concert 2023.

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The dance film was brought to life by GxA Creative and UNCSA videographer Adam Witmer and filmed on location at the UNCSA Library. School of Dance students featured in the piece include Wyatt Florin, Claire Schiffer, Ava Strickland, Laila Al Owais, Lilian Baker, Madi Bianco, Marlee Billiter, Lauren Boyle, Audrey Brizic, Kate Carter, Mckenzye Colonna, Lilly Gallimore, Eva Graham, Emily Haas, Jillian Hrzic, Brendan Juengling, Raegan King, Henry LaGrua, Tessa Ledbetter, Kassidy Mishler, Ella Moore, Isabella Normandin, Sadona Olsen, Maia Reppe, Audrie Trapnell, Camryn Varney, Bridget Woolley, Hayden Wright, Kyra Birkner, Laney Castelloe, Jordan Daniels, Emma Frye, Mason Gaddis, Annabelle Gee, Kayla Gilligan, Anaya Gonzalez, Jenna Gray, Terra Hernandez, Kevin Higgins, Gina Lissette, Talia Masala, Sara Ann Mcintyre, Beatriz Moreira Leite, Paris Newman, Rebekah Purdom, Sadie Grace Shelburne, Elise St. Cyr, Olivia Tarlton, Reina Terakura, Rachel Waid, Caroline Walshe and Aniyah Wilkinson.

Grady Bowman and Ashley Lindsey - Directors

Adam Witmer - Cinematographer/Editor/Colorist

Paige Amicon, Camryn Pearson and Emily Nicolaou - Assistant Choreographers

Otterstone Productions - Film Services

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February 12, 2024