Brigham Young University’s Contemporary Dance Theatre will perform “NOW,” an evening of choreographed performances that will also feature Bebe Miller’s acclaimed work “Prey” Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 27-29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pardoe Theatre.
Tickets are on sale for $12 at the BYU Fine Arts Ticket Office at C-358 Harris Fine Arts Center, by phone at (801) 422-4322 or online at byuarts.com/tickets. A matinee performance for the same price will also be held Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m.
“Finesse and athleticism mark our engaging performance this month,” said Pat Debenham, artistic director of the Contemporary Dance Theatre. “From mini trampolines and mattresses to sliding scooters and graceful partnering, ‘NOW’ is an evening of dance that will uplift, inspire and even bring a laugh or two.”
A featured work in the concert will be a kinetically charged dance by Arizona-based choreographer Carley Condor titled “Moving Target.” The piece conveys a feeling of resolve and determination that women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experience as they successfully learn to handle the many roles that they take on in life. “Moving Target” will also feature background footage by BYU videographer Karen Jensen, whose evocative capturing of the dance at different angles will enhance the kinetic power of Condor’s work as it is projected behind live dancers.
The theme of collaborations will continue as BYU School of Music violist and chamber music coordinator Claudine Bigelow joins dancers onstage as they perform “Sus Destinos Parecian Estar Entrelazados,” choreographed by faculty members Susan Lloyd and Caroline Prohosky.
Former Artistic Director Becky Wright Phillips’ “Wheelenese,” a favorite of past performances for its surprises and humor, features men on scooters dancing with inflatable dolls.
“After viewing this dance you will never listen to Strauss the same way or see ballroom dance in the same light,” Debenham said. “This is not your mother’s waltz!”
The company will conclude with a performance of “Prey” by internationally acclaimed, four-time Bessie awardee Bebe Miller. Choreographed in 2000, Miller’s seminal work stands the test of time by engaging the audience in a landscape of movement that is clearly physical and simultaneously deeply spiritual.
The Contemporary Dance Theatre, formerly known as the Dancers’ Company, is BYU’s premier modern dance group and was formed in 1975.
For more information about this performance, contact Pat Debenham at (801) 422-3340 or pat_debenham@byu.edu, or visit byuarts.com.
Writer: Philip Volmar
