Labor of Love

As I settled into my new home for the next eight months at the Jacobs School of Music, I was approached by my then RA, Jadyn Dahlberg. She was in her third year of studying Ballet at IU, and she asked me if I was interested in composing a short piece for a ballet in the spring. I could not believe my luck! To be presented with such an amazing opportunity at such an early time in my life is truly a miracle! I became extremely excited and sent her sketches a few months later. After workshopping a few ideas and many long rehearsals, Jadyn put together a wonderful ballet which I was able to score. Thus was born: “Labor of Love.”

This short piece is about the unspoken responsibility that comes with loving another.  When someone you love is weak or fragile it is your role to lift them up again.  You must carry some of the burden of those you care deeply about, knowing they would do the same for you.  Loving is labor that ultimately feels effortless.

Choreography by Jadyn Dahlberg

Music by Luke Henry

Chris Santos, Cello

Ada Cigeroglu, Piano

Dancers

Andrew Playford and Ginabel Peterson

Colin Canavan and Gabby Harris

Cecilia Zanone and Reece Conrad