“Roots, Wings and Prayers,” the 2004 Spring Performance of the Matching Tights Dance Company (MTDC), incorporates dances that are grounded, dances that soar with physical virtuosity, and dances that touch your heart. The Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College is pleased to announce this presentation of works choreographed and performed by its Department of Theatre and Dance faculty, students, and guest artists Heidi Hauser Jasmin, Liza Nichole Decoteau, and Paula Mann. Performances will be held on campus in Anderson Theatre, March 26 and 27 at 8:00 p.m. and March 28 at 2:00 p.m.
The concert opens with the emotionally charged quartet, That Which Bends You Low, choreographed by Gustavus Theatre and Dance faculty member Maria Gomez Tierney. Originally inspired by the symphonic compositions of cellular communication, the completed dance was created through artistic collaboration with four of the Matching Tights Dance Company’s finest dancers, and reflects Tierney’s own spiritual journey as well as the human experience.
Another student performer, senior dance major Hillary Duke, is showcased though her performance of the dramatic solo, Mourning choreographed by Gustavus faculty member, Michele Rusinko. Mourning, an excerpt from a larger work titled Angel Over the Left Shoulder, is a powerful solo that explores the roller coaster of emotions embodied in the grieving process.
Transitioning to a much lighter note, eight dancers from the Apprentice Dance Company perform the whimsical, M and M’s. Also choreographed by Rusinko, M’s and M’s includes colorful costumes and a musical score played on a telephone and a rubber band.
The work of student choreographer and senior dance major Ashleigh Penrod will be featured in the dance Grace. The piece, which is emotional as well as thought provoking, premiered in the December 2003 Shared Space concert.
This year’s concert is rich with contributions from guest choreographers. Heidi Hauser Jasmin, director of the Hauser Dance Company, choreographed Daycare, a playful upbeat dance utilizing six dancers and six large red beanbag chairs.
Guest Artist Liza Nichole Decoteau choreographed 8, 2, three, 6. Inspired by the work of Merce Cunningham, Decoteau used “chance” as a method of making artistic choices in creating this piece.
Stepping out of their roles as teachers and choreographers, and back on to stage as performers, Rusinko, Tierney and Decoteau perform in The Narrow Door, choreographed by Rusinko.
This year’s concert closes with the comical and fast-paced Spy Chics, which was choreographed by guest artist and recent McKnight Fellowship recipient Paula Mann.
Tickets for the concert are required as all seating is reserved. The cost is $7.00 for adults, and $5.00 for students and seniors and tickets are available by calling the Gustavus ticket center at (507) 933-7590.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510