Audrey Fendler Premieres Contemporary Dance in Bloomington
The Indiana University senior debuts a 30-minute piece at the Lee Norvelle Studio Theater.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Dance
Live Poll
Do you believe attending local arts performances is important for your community?
Indiana University senior Audrey Fendler premiered her contemporary dance work titled "wherever they go/forever they stay" at the Lee Norvelle Studio Theater. The 30-minute performance features a cast of seven dance majors and an understudy wearing white theatrical half-masks.
Why it matters
The performance represents the culmination of a project funded by an independent grant awarded to Fendler by Indiana University during the spring of 2026. Her work continues to explore stage composition following her previous premiere, "After the Unraveling," in November 2025.
The production includes a cast of seven dance majors and one understudy who rehearsed for seven-hour sessions to prepare the 30-minute performance. The show attracted an estimated audience of 30 people during its initial debut.
The players
Audrey Fendler
She is an Indiana University student and choreographer who previously premiered the stage work "After the Unraveling."
Elizabeth Shea
She serves as the Director of Contemporary Dance at Indiana University.
The details
Choreographed by Fendler, the piece incorporates instrumental music alongside Billie Eilish's song "WILDFLOWER." The dancers underwent an intensive rehearsal schedule that began with four seven-hour days followed by weekly two-hour practices throughout the semester.
Timeline
November 2025: Audrey Fendler's first stage work premiered.
Spring 2026: Fendler was awarded an independent project grant.
Summer 2026: Fendler began creating the new dance piece.
October 22, 2026: The performance premiered at 7 p.m. at the Lee Norvelle Studio Theater.
October 23-24, 2026: Two additional performances are scheduled.
Industry Dynamics
This production serves as an example of academic-led contemporary dance initiatives that define the current collegiate performance landscape. It illustrates how university programs provide the necessary infrastructure and funding for students to transition from initial concept to stage premiere.
Members of the public can view the production during the two remaining scheduled performances at the Lee Norvelle Studio Theater. Attendance for this contemporary dance work is open to the university community and local residents interested in student choreography.
The takeaway
Supporting student-led works allows audiences to see the development of new choreography within a university setting. Implementing consistent rehearsal schedules is often the key to successfully executing complex performance pieces.
What happens next
The piece will have two additional performances taking place on October 23 and October 24.
Further reading
Learn more about the local performing arts community at Dance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by COLUMN: 'I Love Boosters' features wacky surrealist visuals and hilarious comedy - Indiana Daily Student.
Live Poll
Do you believe attending local arts performances is important for your community?
