Life > November 15, 2007

By Ae’Jay Mitchell | Contributing writer

What happens when one must deliver a message without words, when movement is the only medium of communication? This is the theme of the university’s Fall Dance Concert.

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The University Dance Company's fall concert features work by guest choreographers and delivers a variety of thought-provoking pieces. (Photo courtesyof the WFU Dance Department)

From a relationship’s turmoil in South Africa to a pursuit of conquering the limitless possibility of flight, the concert promises a journey from beginning to end.

Since September, members of the 2007-’08 Dance Company have been rehearsing during the week in preparation for the fall concert.

The concert features jazz dance choreography by Director of Dance Nina Lucas, contemporary dance choreography by assistant professor of dance Christina Tsoules-Soriano and a restaging of the ballet Markitenka by dance lecturer Brantly Shapiro.

Joining the choreography team this year are guest artists Duane Cyrus, Gyula Pandi and Tina Yarborough Liggins.

Cyrus brings contemporary choreography to the members of the dance company with a unique style developed through his studies at the Julliard School and University of Illinois and his membership with the Martha Graham Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

Pandi delivers a taste of contemporary ballet developed by his membership with the Hungarian National Ballet and 26-year career at the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Liggins, an adjunct professor of dance, gives jazz dance technique a twist of what she calls “Afro-fusion” in the upcoming concert.

Her experience includes working at the North Carolina School of the Arts Intensive Program and choreography of musical theatre pieces such as Cats and Sweet Charity.

Ryann DuRant, freshman Presidential Scholar for Distinguished Achievement in dance, said one piece “will present movement in comparison to falling objects, before, during and after the fall.”

Senior Jamie Patterson described one piece as “a story of a man and woman, a fight driven by love.”

Senior Morgan Partin said she hopes to present “subject material that evokes thought, reminding us that there are always tough situations in life, but that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

This year’s dance concert opens at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 on the MainStage Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students, available through the Theatre Box Office at Ext. 5295.