Topics: Emerging Media, College of Fine Arts

March 13, 2009

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Twenty two student dancers will perform eight faculty choreographed pieces in Dance Revelations. The show will run March 26-28 with a matinee on March 29.
 Ball State's Dance Theatre Company will bring together the timeless art of dance and emerging media in a cutting-edge concert.

In Dance Revelations, new technology is explored in a body-meets-science world in which a variety of dance styles are reimagined for the 21st century. The show will be at 7:30 p.m. March 26-28 with a 2:30 p.m. matinee March 29. All performances will take place in University Theatre.

Artistic direction for the performance was provided by Lou Ann Young, assistant professor of dance, and Audra Sokol, assistant professor of dance. The concert will feature 22 student dancers performing eight faculty choreographed pieces including works by Young and Sokol and two specially chosen works by seniors Chadae Nichol and Emily Bennett.

"The goal was to join digital effects with a variety of dance styles, including contemporary pointe, tango and modern dance," Young said.

Other choreographers include Greg Lund, assistant professor of dance; Michael Worcel, assistant professor of dance; and Susan Koper.

The performance will engage several forms of technology and dance, including a piece by Lund that begins in the 1950s and follows the development of dance through the decades. This work tracks the change of movement and expression over time and uses emerging media to aid in the exploration.

Young believes that audience members should prepare for a show where anything is possible. "I am anxious to see how the addition of digital media will enhance the choreography and dance. Two departments working together on a dance theatre production is a new experience and I think the final product will be inspiring," she said.

Purchase tickets at the Theatre and Dance box office located in the lower lounge of University Theatre. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 765-285-8749.

Other upcoming productions include "The Full Monty" — 7:30 p.m. April 23-25, April 29-May 2; 2:30 p.m. April 26. Based on the hit 1997 film of the same name this musical follows the journey of six steel workers from Buffalo New York who bond over one crazy idea to make money and restore their manhood.

By Jenn Hillier