The University of Hawai‘i at M~noa’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Spring Footholds: Moving Images" showcasing new choreography by Master of Fine Arts candidate Nicole Pouliot and Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates Desmond Kane Balbin, Kelly Del Rosario, Arturo C. Mariano, Elizabeth Merida, and Jacqueline Nii. "Spring Footholds: Moving Images" displays a wide variety of modern dance styles as well as digital media technology, original and live music. "Spring Footholds: Moving Images" will be performed in Kennedy Theatre’s Earle Ernst Lab Theatre May 4, 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. A post-show rap follows the performance on Friday, May 6.

MFA dance candidate Pouliot will present two new works in partial completion of her thesis work. "Soul Scratchings" is a solo, danced by Pouliot, set to blues music. "Scape" features dance to an original musical composition by Minneapolis-based composer Will Fehlow.

The rest of the program features works choreographed by Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance candidates. Balbin, a graduate of Kamehameha schools, premieres "Skeletons in the Closet." This piece explores the psychological turmoil of obtaining and concealing vices and employs digital media technology. Del Rosario, a graduate of Mililani High School, will premiere "Bodyprints." For this piece, live music has been composed by and will be performed by the group "Sambanda." Del Rosario will utilize movements from capoeira, hip-hop, and modern dance to illustrate the themesof strength and rebellion.

Mariano, a graduate of Aiea High School, will premiere new choreography based on the concept of energy and how it can be transferred to a body in different forms. He takes inspiration from qualitative ideas explored in the movement analysis system known as Choreology. Merida will also present her new choreography, "Encounters," through which a small ensemble of dancers explores physical aspects of human relationships. Accompanying the piece will be a new composition by UHM music student David Langfelder which will be performed live by four undergraduate music students. Nii, a graduate of Mid-Pacific School of the Arts, will present "Cause of One" which premiered in 2005 at Marks Garage. This work focuses on shapes as well as action and reaction between bodies.