The Smallest Step
“The Smallest Step" is a study in confidence, personal power, and strength. I challenged these teen ballet dancers to project these traits throughout the piece. This piece was created during Regional Dance America’s 2023 National Choreography Intensive where I was a Project Tier Choreographer mentored by Stephanie Martinez. The title is taken from a quote: “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”
Choreographed in 2023. Performed by dancers attending RDA NCI.
Through the Storm
This work is another exploration of a topic I have addressed before. I guess I haven’t gotten it out of my system. Well, actually, it is a recurring theme in my life. So, there you have it. It is about wanting to reach a goal but continuing to encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. I can see where I want to be, but I know that the going will not be a simple, straightforward path. If I want what is on the other side, I must go through the storm.
One of the dancers reflected on her experience dancing this piece: “Through the Storm became of reflection of my own life journey. Life, my like our piece, often throws storms our way…This performance taught me the importance of fighting for myself and becoming a source of inspiration for others to weather their storms, a story of resilience. While traveling through this tempest one last time, I felt a profound sense of “I found my way”, emerging from it stronger. It was a humbling and confidence-boosting experience, walking through the storm.”
Choreographed in 2023 by Sandra Scheuber. Danced here by my own Leaps and Bounds Dance.
Roots and Wings
"Roots and Wings" was inspired by a saying “Give your children two lasting things - one is roots, the other wings”. As my two siblings are about to become empty nesters, I was thinking about the relationship between mothers and daughters and the varied emotions felt by all at that time of life. I was also reminded of the daughters from the musical Fiddler on the Roof as well, a play that holds a special place in my family.
Choreographed in 2021 by Sandra Scheuber. Danced here by Perceptions Dance Company.
Elegy
"Elegy" was created as a tribute to my older sister Shelly whom we lost to breast cancer at the age of 39 in 2001. I wanted to incorporate some of the literal things that happened the night my sister passed as she was surrounded by her family. The piece starts with a tableau of dancers surrounding the dying one. As she takes her last breath, the other dancers react to her death - one closes her eyes, one gasps, one grabs her legs, and others comfort each other. The piece continues with the dancer who represents Shelly appearing as a witness, like an angel, observing the grief of her five family members, trying to offer comfort, but not being seen by them. The movement is flowing, the dancers sweeping across the space in flowing dresses dealing with their sorrow alone and collectively - at times frantic, at times soft, but exquisite in its portrayal of their grief. When looking for music for this piece, I happened upon the soundtrack of "Schindler's List". The Itzhak Perlman track entitled "Remembrances" struck me immediately at first listening with it's haunting, yet beautiful, sadness. And, with such an appropriate title, I knew I'd found the right fit.
Choreographed in 2002 by Sandra Scheuber in memory of Shelly Scheuber-Hoover. Danced here by NewGround Theatre Dance Company at sjDANCEco's 2014 Fall ChoreoProject. Video by John Parenica.
Passing Fancy
Passing Fancy (2010) was an experiment in locomotion. I wanted to play with ways to move the dancers across and through the space and each other. To me, it reflects the craziness of everyday life such as busy city streets with people walking, cars driving, lots of things going on.
Video by Wes Page.
Strong At The Broken Places
Premiered in 2019, this piece was inspired by the amazing resilience of individuals who have survived a traumatic situation such as kidnapping and rape. I am in awe of the strength of the human spirit to endure and find the power to move on. Performed by NewGround Theatre Dance Company - dancers: Kristine Chambers, Rebecca Fazio, Mariko Ishikawa, Lilliana LoGiudice, Valerie Miller, and Sandi Scheuber.
Video by John Parenica.
Continuum
This piece (created in 2011) was inspired by the interesting quirkiness of the music by Thomas Newman - from the soundtrack of the movie “American Beauty”. A suite in 5 parts, I played with various moods, groupings, rhythmic accents, layers, weavings, and patterns. I tried to keep a sense of connectivity amongst the sections as you discover who these characters are in their world. Performed by Off-Balance Dance Company - dancers: Melissa Campiotti, Shelita Guzman, Alissa Macy, Sara Martinez, Andrew Merrill, Tami McQueen, Amy Nelson, Ceciley Smith
Video by Wes Page
Hymn
"Hymn" combines a piece I choreographed in 1998 for a Shaker-themed concert to Shaker folk music with a new section to a song written and sung by my nephew Matt Scheuber. Movement inspired by the spiritual nature of the songs and finding something larger than ourselves to live for and believe in.
Choreographed in 1998 & 2017 by Sandra Scheuber. Selected for presentation at sjDANCEco's ChoreoProject November 2017. Danced here by NewGround Theatre Dance Company. Videographer - John Parenica
On The Verge
"On the Verge" is a piece set to music by Philip Glass. I wanted to portray the dichotomy of the seamlessness of some parts of our lives where we just move along without effort versus the frantic moments that take us off guard. Sometimes we’re the only ones in this state, not noticed by others, and sometimes others are in the same boat, and we are too caught up to notice
Choreographed in 2015 by Sandra Scheuber. Selected for presentation at sjDANCEco's ChoreoProject November 2015. Danced here by NewGround Theatre Dance Company. Videographer - John Parenica
Choreography Sampler
A longer sampling of Sandra’s choreography.
Videos by John Parenica, edited by Sandra Scheuber
Choreography Montage
This is a small, short sampling of Sandra's earlier choreography. Videography by Hugh Ehrhardt and Wes Page. Video editing by Ben Hoover.
Shenanigans
This dance film, created during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a chance to reminisce and create in my late grandparents’ almond orchard. I used some of my favorite music (Celtic) and enjoyed playing with short phrases as well as incorporating the setting, some silliness, camera movement, and playing around with editing.
Empty Spaces
On a recent Sunday morning during the COVID-19 pandemic where everyone was sheltering in place, I was on a walk in the parking structure to stay out of the rain. The emptiness of the place inspired me to dance. On the fly, I came up with the idea to film myself and create a video. Concept, filming, editing, and performance by Sandra Scheuber.
Header photo by Joanne Lee