University News

Winter Solstice Dance Concert Dec. 4-6

December 1, 2003

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MACOMB, IL - - University Dance Theatre (UDT) students at Western Illinois University will present their annual Winter Solstice Dance Concert Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6 in the Browne Hall Hainline Theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m. nightly.

The production will include eight dances choreographed by students; five pieces created by faculty, including a traditional collaboration with Bridgeway clients; and a work by guest artist Gabriel Masson, who served a weeklong residency at Western this fall.

“I’m passionate about education,” said Masson, who has choreographed, performed and taught for more than 20 years. “Doing residencies allows me to teach and to create my art.”

Masson set a dance, titled “Remember,” on eight UDT performers.

“I was so impressed with the level of professionalism in the dance program,” Masson said. “They have a very clear vision. This dance minor is a special program.”

Student choreographers include senior Kami Heckle from Quincy, whose quartet titled “Just There” has been chosen to be adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival (ACDF) in March 2004.

Graduate student Heather Arnett from Table Grove choreographed a piece for 10 dancers called “Next in Line,” inspired by the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and current military action. Senior Jess Bliss from Vernon Hills created a work for six dancers called “A Family Untied,” which was set to an original composition by Western music major Brandon Knisely of Nauvoo. Other choreographers include senior Jenny Showalter from Aurora, juniors Andrea Serra from Mundelein, Nicole Thompson from Elwood and Mizue Yamazaki from Japan; and sophomore Melanie Prentice from Rockford.

UDT faculty co-director Candace Winters-March has choreographed a humorous work to old cowboy songs by the Sons of the Pioneers, Frankie Lane and Patsy Montana. Her 13-dancer piece will also be adjudicated at ACDF next March. Co-director Heidi Clemmens has composed a piece for four dancers set to Mark O’Conner string quartet; and Denise Brakefield has choreographed two ballet numbers for the concert.

Admission for the Winter Solstice Concert is $5 for adults; $4 for students and seniors; $2 for children between the ages of three and 12; and free for children under three years old. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 309-298-1707 or 298-1981.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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