'Liminal’ dance performance finds in-between spaces in nature, experience

Original dance pieces by Cornell faculty, students and guest artist Jie-Hung Connie Shiau will headline "Liminal," the 2026/27 Annual Dance Presenting Series, Nov. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts Class of '56 Flexible Theatre.

The performance will feature the world premiere of "Rainbow Body," a dance piece Shiau composed inspired by the color-saturated work of Swiss-born artist Ugo Rondinone and by Tibetan Buddhist concepts of the body transforming into light at death.

Also on the program: "I dwell in possibility," by Danielle Russo, assistant professor of the practice in performing and media arts in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Russo and Shiau are longtime collaborators similarly drawn by places of transition in the body, the mind, society and culture, Russo said. A cast of 11 undergraduate and graduate students will perform these works and pieces composed by student choreographers.

"I have been on a creative journey this year exploring the internal landscape," said Shiau, an award-winning Taiwanese dancer, choreographer and teacher. "Coming to Cornell, I had some phrases prepared that I used that as a foundation for 'Rainbow Body.' I enjoyed collaborating with the dancers to create materials based on what we share. I want their colors and freshness and ideas."

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.