OU's CONTEMPORARY
DANCE OKLAHOMA
TO PERFORM 
MARCH 2 - 11

                 University Theatre and School of Dance presents Contemporary Dance Oklahoma scheduled to open at 8 p.m. Friday, March 2 in the Elsie C. Brackett Theatre, 563 Elm Ave. on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus. Additional performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10; and at 3 p.m. March 4 and 11. This production is suitable for all audiences.

"The dancers and faculty of Contemporary Dance Oklahoma have assembled a diverse and dynamic offering of works ranging from fluid, improvisational based work to high energy movement that displays a communal joy of spirit of joy," said Michael Bearden, OU School of Dance director.

Two distinguished guest artists David Hochoy and Jean-Guillaume Weis came to campus to set their dance works on the company last fall.

Hochoy is artistic director with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis and was a long-time member of the Martha Graham company as both a dancer and a member of the artistic staff. His piece Skin Walkers, is loosely based on a Celtic legend about a tribe of people who can "change their skin" in order to camouflage themselves to escape predators. The music was written specifically for the ballet, by Indianapolis based composers T.H. Gillespie and L.E. McCullough, and features electric violinist Cathy Morris. This is the third in a trilogy of pieces entitled Myths for A New Millennium. Through a series of dances the lyricism, poetry and rhythmic athleticism of the "New Age Celtic" style of the music is explored ultimately leading to a thrilling climax celebrating the joy of movement in human expression.

Weis’ piece “A Flock of Dreams” is an improvisational based work where by the dancers have to be intuitive as to when they join with each other in group work and when they venture out into their own improvisational phrases. This fluid work is mesmerizing and showcases the artistic voices of the dancers both individually and collectively.

OU School of Dance faculty Austin Hartel and Roxanne Lyst have created innovative dance works to complete the program.

Hartel’s “Impromptu” is an exciting and dynamic work, which true to its name and was created in a spontaneous process to explore interactions which develop into relationships.

Lyst’s dance “Acceptance” investigates complicated family dynamics in and around a house. The house represents acceptance either by family, friends, romantic partners, or society at large. The desire to be welcomed into the house and also to be our true selves outside of the house are explored throughout this work from diverse perspectives.

The School of Dance dedicates this year’s Contemporary Dance Oklahoma production to the late Norman musician Boyd Littell. Boyd was a School of Dance accompanist for 15 years and played for every modern dance class on the schedule. His gentle smile, extraordinary musicianship and open spirit made him an integral part of the modern dance department during his time at OU. He was a treasured friend who inspired many. The School of Dance and countless dancers he collaborated with through the years will truly miss him.

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma is comprised of students from the School of Dance; they are Amber Bailey, Alexandra Brewster, Micah Bullard, Daniela Carvalho, Rachel Chan, Alma Cienski, Molly Davidson, Hannah Dillenbeck, Infiniti Eaglin, Amanda Evans, Emily Franks, Camryn Fry, Gianna Hagnell, Nacoleon Hillsman III, Jamilynne Johnson, Kieran King, Hannah Knorr, Jessica Liske, Sarah Mack, Korinne Manjarres, Emily Nichols, Maddie Padilla, Melynda Phillips, Colleen Reed, Irandy Reyes, Joie Rice, Kori Richardson, Julie Russel, Breanna Troutman, Megan Watson, Emmy Wildermuth, Claire Willcutt, and Brick Ban from the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.

The design staff consists of Kalani Lewis, scenic designer; Tatum Texada and Serena Bunn, costume designers; and Joshua Robbins, lighting designer. The production staff includes Michael Bearden, artistic director; Kat Brown and Caroline Boyd, stage managers; Jeff Baldwin, technical director; Kasey Allee-Foreman, associate producer; and Mary Margaret Holt, producer.

For more information or to schedule an interview call the OU School of Dance office at  (405) 325-4051.

Advance purchase tickets for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma are $25 for adult; $20 for senior adult, OU employee and military; and $10 for student, plus handling fee. Tickets at the door are $35 for adult and $15 for student, cash or check only.  Tickets also may be purchased online at theatre.ou.edu , by calling (405) 325-4101 or visiting the OU Fine Arts Box Office in the Catlett Music Center, 500 W. Boyd St. For accommodations, please call the OU Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101.