Sweet Briar senior dance major Betty Skeen’s performance in the Joy of Motion Dance Center’s “Dance Project” was reviewed in the April 23 edition of the Washington Post.

Skeen choreographed and performed her solo, “Losing My Accent,” a text and movement dance depicting a dialogue with her mother.

“The piece, performed without music, was a thoughtful embrace of heritage and inevitable separation ending with a defiant declaration of independence,” reviewer Barbara Allen wrote.

SBC director of dance Mark Magruder, who attended the concert, said to be singled out and favorably reviewed in a major newspaper is a “big deal” for Skeen.

“You hold on to those the rest of your life. They’re so rare because so many things have to line up,” he said. "But it's a phenomenal piece and it deserved the review that it got."

“Dance Project” also reunited several Sweet Briar alumnae from the Washington area who attended the concert, and three who were in the performance lineup. Marisha Bourgeois ’99 – a production manager at Joy of Motion – choreographed and danced in a piece with fellow graduates Amy Mullen ’02 and Sara Coffey ’06. Mullen also performed a solo.

According to the Joy of Motion Web site, “The name ‘Dance Project’ is synonymous with works that are cutting edge and original.”

Skeen sent in a video of her work to audition for the “Dance Project.” It was one of about 10 pieces selected for the concert.

Skeen also learned recently that she has been accepted in to a graduate program at the University of Maryland-College Park, where she will work toward a Master of Fine Arts in dance.

– By Jennifer McManamay, SBC staff writer