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.
