Resonant Spectrum

Press Release

CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Cindy Gratz         PHONE:  (936) 294-1311      FAX:  (936) 294-3954        E-MAIL:  CindyGratz@shsu.edu   

 

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

D  A  N  C  E     P  R  O  G  R  A  M

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2008

 

An exhilarating evening of dynamic dance, Resonant Dance Spectrum, is being presented by the SHSU Dance Program on Thursday through Saturday, May 1st through 3rd at 8PM with a Saturday Matinee at 2PM. All performances will be on the UTC Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $10 for general; or $8 for students and senior citizens. For information, please call the Dance Box Office: 294-3988.

 

Associate Dean Dana Nicolay will be presenting his world premiere, Of Faith and Spirit with music by Rachmaninov, Glass, Vivaldi, Waits, and Faure; and amazing dancing by Christine Bowden, Julie Davis, Jared Doster, Jenny Hammock, Laura Harrell, Vanessa Martinez, Catherine Nysveen, Jessica Prachyl, Crystal Scott, Yayoi Shimada, Sarah Vaughner, Nick Trevino, and Vicky Zahrndt. "In this piece I attempt to address the interplay between Religion and Spirituality- religious tradition versus the individual experience of the divine," stated Nicolay. "I think that people who are trying to understand what is happening in this life, constantly struggle to find a balance between these.   As an artist I value personal experience supremely. Each individual life is a unique expression of divine creativity and should be lived as such.  Yet, in isolation, our lives become meaningless.  Religion provides essential common language, imagery and experiences that place our lives in context.  Without it we would be hard-pressed to share and explore our spiritual lives with others.  So, I have this dynamic exchange rumbling within me.  I hope this piece will help me deal with that exchange and contribute something meaningful the spiritual dialogue of our community."

 

SHSU Dance Coordinator, Jennifer Pontius will be presenting two ballets from the Romantic Era: Pas de Quatre and The Peasant Pas de Deux from Giselle, Act I.

 

Visiting Assistant Professor Jonathan Charles will be premiering his new work, Dark Angels, with wild and crazy music (Bitches Brew) by Miles Davis. The dancers, clad in long, billowing, black skirts with dramatic red tulle underneath, perform fierce and daring dance movements … "They are just fearless!" says Charles.

 

Outstanding choreography that was selected to represent the SHSU Dance Program at the American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) this year will also be presented. Charles' new piece entitled X is an astonishingly physical piece in which his dancers barely touch the floor as they throw their bodies into the air or fling partners into the air, only to come crashing down in time to outrageous music by Prince. In contrast, undergraduate student, Megan Condon's work entitled Mind-Body Divorce is a sweet reflection of the choreographer's grandfather and terminal struggle with Parkinson's disease. Jared Doster sensitively dances with Condon in this poignant duet. “The dance gives me goose bumps!” said Dr. Cindy Gratz, who lost her own father to Parkinson’s.

 

Of particular note in the concert, is Marian Hart who will be presenting her tap/ text/ modern/ dance entitled One Step Closer.  Heart was also selected to be presented at ACDFA. It was the first time that SHSU has ever sent a student solo to the festival for adjudication. The dance was hugely successful. Hart received a standing ovation from the audience as she entered the auditorium after performing her piece! One Step Closer was further honored by being selected for the Gala Performance at the festival, at which time the Ms. Hart received ANOTHER standing ovation!

 

Last, but not least, Dr. Gratz will present two “resonant” pieces for the concert. The first is a reconstruction of her award-winning Afterimages (1992). This dance was honored by being included in the National Gala Concert series of ACDFA at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Gratz will also be presenting her favorite dance, Cheval (1994) that depicts her love for horses.

 

For a full evening of beautiful dancing in an amazing range of styles, The Resonant Dance Spectrum Concert is a must-see. Please call the SHSU Dance Office for further information: 936-294-3988.

 

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