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Intellect

“New Works New Voices” displays modern dance at BYU March 31-April 1

The Contemporary Dance Division of the Department of Dance at Brigham Young University presents “New Works New Voices,” an evening of new choreography prepared by advanced students and faculty members, Thursday and Friday, March 31 and April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Richards Building Dance Studio Theatre (166 RB).

Tickets are on sale at byuarts.com/tickets for $6.

The concert features BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre, brilliant performers who enjoyed a nearly sold-out set of concerts in January.

“This fast-moving concert presents a diverse mix of delightful tidbits that will sometimes provoke deep thought and at other times simply let audience members enjoy the kinetic nature of dance,” according to Kori Wakamatsu of the modern dance faculty.

The following “tidbits” will be featured:

  • Christine Tarabilda’s “I Hope She’s a Fool” takes inspiration from the character Daisy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby.” Through an impressionistic narrative, Daisy’s life unfolds as she has to make decisions about faithfulness in a world of shifting values.
  • Faculty members Pat Debenham and Kate Monson have created a delightful dance “visualization” of some traditional Mormon hymns. With music by the acoustic ensemble “Lower Lights,” the dances share both the sacred and playful nature of the hymn canon.
  • Aaron Shaw, whose work was featured at last year’s Gala American College Dance Festival performance, returns this year with a trio titled “Faces.” Shaw is also a recipient of the Algie Balif Choreography Award from the Department of Dance at BYU.
  • Other works by Krista T. Derington, Catherine Taggert, Annie Garlick, Brayden Newby, Cortney Saunders and faculty member Caroline Prohosky complete the show. “Their dances showcase BYU’s versatile dancers at their best as they move between the vast styles and physical demands of contemporary dance,” said Wakamatsu.

Formed in 1975, BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre, formerly known as The Dancers' Company, ignites audiences with its wide spectrum of dance styles that range from dramatic to comedic and lyrical to jazz. A winner in the American College Dance Festival Competition, the company presents a program of contemporary dance at its best.

For more information about this performance, contact Kori Wakamatsu, visiting assistant professor of dance, at (801) 302-7958 or kori_wakamatsu@byu.edu. See the Contemporary Dance Theatre’s website at cfacbeta.byu.edu/departments/dance/contemporary-dance-theatre.

Follow BYU events on Twitter: @BYUcalendar.

Writer: Philip Volmar

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