CHOREOGRAPHY
Concert Work.
This page features concert choreography created by Soph Cardinal and set on BFA students at both the University of Utah and Colorado State University. These works take a deeper look into sociopolitical themes such as queerness, navigating liminal spaces of identity, existing in trans bodies, and challenging patriarchal structures. I use guided improvisation, writing prompts, and collaborative dialogue to build trust and foster authenticity in the studio. Through this process, I aim to create choreography that embraces the complexity of who we are, where identity, memory, and embodiment are fully acknowledged and celebrated.
01
where we were | have been | will be
Description
An interdisciplinary work exploring the evolving self. Shifting boundaries between movement, film, sound score, and visual art, this piece invites the audience to reconcile their relationships to transformation, grief, and discomfort, to sit in the spaces in-between.
This was performed by University of Utah students Grace Hurley, Terra Killpack-Knutsen, Salanieta Malohifo’ou, Keily Tafiti, and Em Zinn and presented as part of the MFA Thesis Show.
02
both || and
both Il and is an exploration of duality. Through a blended form of movement, this piece conceptualizes how our identities, choices, and values are shaped by considering both where we came from and where we want to grow to.
This was performed by Sophia Anderson and Addison Cambia at the University of Utah through 801 Saon.
03
By Yourself.
Description
"By Yourself" is an exploration of individual identity within the context of a group dynamic. It evaluates how our aesthetics and lineages navigate the complexities of relationships with those around us. The work also considers how personal expression both shapes and is shaped by collective experience, revealing the tension between autonomy and belonging.
This was performed by University of Utah students Devan Dowling, Sophia Kenton, and Ayana Lovell and presented through the MFA Choreographic Process to Production Group.
04
Blind Faith.
A hip hop piece choreographed by Soph Cardinal that reflects the detrimental impact that can occur when religious beliefs are forced onto members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This was performed by BFA students at Colorado State University.
05
Anomaly.
This piece examines how our understanding of femininity and masculinity influences our sense of self. These terms, often defined by society's idea of binary gender, work collaboratively and separately to gauge who we are as individuals. Through the contemporary/hip-hop movement, this solo experiments with the abiding by and the breaking of these gender norms to cultivate individualized self, style, and expression.
