Repertory Dance Theatre Hosts CHARETTE 2014 FUNdraiser Today

Repertory Dance Theatre's signature event and FUNdraiser, Charette, returns to the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center for the ninth consecutive year today, February 22, 2014, hosted by the formidable (and hilarious) Sister Dottie S. Dixon.

Sister Dottie will bring an all new look to this fabulous evening of delectable refreshments, raucous bidding & bribing, and witty choreography. Audience members are encouraged to vote for their favorite choreographer by "bribing" celebrity judges with RDT funny money, test their luck in the opportunity drawings, and watch as five new dances are created in record time! In addition to the "secret ingredients," choreographers will get to work with live music.

How Charette works:

1. Audience goes immediately to the theatre for introductions to the choreographers and a short performance.
2. Choreographers are given "secret ingredients" that they must use in each composition.
3. RDT's professional dancers and gifted community dancers are divided between the choreographers then sent to one of the 5 studios to create their work.
4. Charette guests (the audience) eat, drink, and merrily wander between the party and the studios where dance is being created. During this time guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite choreographer and "bribe" the judges with RDT Funny Money. Audience members can also enter opportunity drawings to win valuable prizes and fun packages.
5. After an hour everyone returns to the theatre to see the competition, vote for their favorite, and see who wins the title of RDT's "Iron Choreographer" for 2014!

Tickets can be purchased through ArtTix: www.arttix.org or 801-355-ARTS. Tickets $35*. Discounts & Specials: Couples price: $60*; Groups of 10 or more: $28*/ticket. VIP Ticket $75* - A VIP ticket grants you an invitation to a pre-concert reception with Sister Dottie, FREE drinks throughout the Intermission, and $15 in RDT Funny Money to bribe the judges. *all tickets will go up $5 on the day of the show. Click here for more information about Charette.

THE KEY PLAYERS:

Host:

Sister Dottie S. Dixon
Known throughout the city for her Theater Productions, her radio spots on X96, and her continuing advocacy for tolerance, Sister Dottie brings a whole new level of awesome to the evening. Mrs. Dixon will host the event from beginning to end with endless flair and hilarity. In her words, "Eeew fer fun!"

Judges:

Bill Allred
As a radio personality on X96's Radio From Hell morning show (and Charette judge in 2009) as well as a trained actor, Allred has the perfect expertise to find this year's Iron Choreographer.

Cody Derrick
As the founder and mastermind behind cityhomeCOLLECTIVE, Derrick is one of the "hippest peeps" in SLC. He knows the city, knows great design, and we're sure he'll know the next Iron Choreographer when he sees it.

Janet Gray
The local studio owner returns for her ninth year as our veteran panelist. Janet knows the ins and outs of Charette and isn't afraid to tell it like it is!

Carter Livingston
As the Vice President of Utah Operations at Strategies 360, Livingston has an extensive background in public affairs and a successful record of managing winning statewide and county ballot initiatives and referendums. We hope he can manage the pressure of the Charette stage!

Susie McCarty
As the founder of McCarty Talent Agency, Susie has had over 38 years of experience finding and fostering the talent of actors, models, and more. Judging Charette will be a piece of cake!

Choreographers:

Nathan Shaw
Nathan Shaw returns as the reigning Iron Choreographer of 2013. After six years on the RDT company and now serving as the first full time high school male dance teacher in Utah at Judge Memorial High School, Nathan has the experience of working with dancers of all ages. He is sure to please with his fantastic sense of humor and choreographic skills.

Ashley Anderson
A choreographer, writer, editor, and dancer, Anderson has all that it takes to choreograph on the spot. As the founder of loveDANCEmore (an online forum for dance in SLC) and organizer for many community dance events, choreographing in 1 hour should be easy.

Graham Brown
Currently an Assistant Professor of Dance at BYU, Graham is also the founder of Movement Forum (MoFo) and improv based Dance Company here in Salt Lake City. His experience with improv as well as teaching and choreographing across the country is sure to help him in this chaotic competition.

...more choreographers to be announced soon.

This year audience members can test their luck in various opportunity drawings for some awesome "experiences" with everything from theatre tickets to hotel stays and more.

Charette is RDT's signature event and annual fund-raiser. By supporting Charette, you support RDT's dedicated mission to build community through the creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation of modern dance.

Since 1966, Repertory Dance Theatre has been telling the story of America through Dance. The story is still being told. That's why contemporary works by living choreographers make up more than 60% of RDT's current collection of dances. Supporting Charette makes it possible for RDT to commission new work, preserve historical dance, support school outreach and help us tell your continuing story.