Lauren Tidmore helps blend public health and art in dance show at Baldwin Wallace University

2018 Apr 24

Lauren Tidmore of Orwigsburg was part of the BW theatre and dance community that presented "fyoo zh en '18: SHAKTI." The annual "fyoo zh en" dance concert combines choreography with faculty research. This year's show was inspired by Dr. Swagata Banik's National Institutes of Health-funded public health study "Project SHAKTI: Stigma reduction, Healthcare provider Awareness and Knowledge enhancement on Transgender issues in India." Tidmore, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School majoring in acting, was a dancer in the production.

Project SHAKTI focuses on the Hijra, a group of marginalized transgender Indians, and their struggle for both acceptance and proper medical care. The themes of identity, exclusion and dignity prevalent in the study were translated into dance by lead director and choreographer Sara Whale. Regarding the page-to-stage transition, Whale states, "Some particular points of interest for me were capturing the camaraderie amongst the Hijra, the sisterhood that they share, and the support and nurturing they offer one another. I was also intrigued by the feminine forces of energy and what the physical representation of that energy might look like."

"fyoo zh en '18: SHAKTI" is one of an extensive number of performance experiences providing real-world opportunities for students at Baldwin Wallace University. Productions include plays, musicals, operas, music concerts and dance concerts. Details at bw.edu/events.