Govenaires Collaborate With World-Renowned Choreographer
A Govenaires performance isn’t limited to field shows and parades. Earlier this month, the defending Drum Corps Associates (DCA) Class A champions took on a whole new venue.
As part of Gustavus Adolphus College’s 150th anniversary, the Govenaires were honored to participate in a series of performances entitled “Our Place, In Place.” Spearheading the project was Stephan Koplowitz, an internationally recognized choreographer and director.
Known for his site-specific works, combining public spaces with intricate movements, Koplowitz has been rewarded with 42 commissions and countless awards for his work across the United States and Europe. A review in The Guardian (UK) newspaper said his “… riveting use of space is guided by the instincts of an architect and a showman.”
The Govenaires jam with dancers from Gustavus Adolphus College as part of the "Our Place, In Place" performances
The Govenaires’ performance in the project took place May 2 and 5 in the St. Peter college’s campus mall, where 20 Adirondack chairs stretched across 300 feet of the walkway. Blurring the line between reality and performance, Gustavus student and alumni dancers interacted among the surroundings, with the Govenaires providing a live musical backdrop.
Colorguard Co-Caption Head Jeffery Peterson, who is also a visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Gustavus, acted as a liaison between the drum corps and the dancers. With limited rehearsal time and some occasionally uncooperative weather, the performances went on with complete success.
Founded in 1927 as the St. Peter Legion corps, the Govenaires have entertained countless people. In the past decade, they’ve added competitive success to the mix, winning DCA Class A championships in 2006, 2009 and 2011.
