UM School of Theatre & Dance to Host ACDA Benefit Concert

The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance presents its fourteenth annual production of the American College Dance Association Benefit Concert, February 3-4, 2016 at 7:30PM.

The concert features performers and choreographers who will be attending the Northwest Regional Conference of the American College Dance Association (ACDA) scheduled for March at the University of Oregon. The Benefit Concert presents work slated to be performed at this year's ACDA and adjudicated by nationally and internationally renowned dance artists and critics. The Benefit Concert is a compilation of original choreography ranging in genres from romantic ballet, contemporary dance, dance theatre, modern dance and improvisation.

The Benefit Concert helps to raise critical funds for UM dance students to attend the Northwest Regional American College Dance Association held at regional universities each year. This concert represents the latest contemporary dance work from the students, guest artists and faculty who will be attending the conference. The concert, while low budget, is entirely student run, with full lighting, costumes, sound design, choreography, and performance. Highlights of this year's concert include:

Excerpts from "Giselle, Act II," one of romantic ballet's greatest masterpieces originally performed in Paris in 1841, choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot and now reset by UM's very own Professor Michele Antonioli. While the fully restaged version of Act II will be featured in Dance In Concert (Montana Theatre in March), this excerpt features what might be the most virtuosic performance of this classic audiences will not want to miss.

"The Wonderer," a contemporary group dance choreographed by first year student Rakel Tangvald. Showcasing Tangvald's unique movement vocabulary and her ability to generate tension through timing and perspective, this smart yet moving work showcases the great promise this young choreographer has to achieve in her time studying dance at UM.

Excerpts from a newly choreographed work by Seattle guest artist Rachael Lincoln. Following her performance of "An Attic an Exit" (presented at the Open Space by Bare Bait Dance in November), Rachael conducted a guest artist residency during which she choreographed an original work for six dance students that will be adjudicated in March at ACDA. Set to music by a Hawk and a Hacksaw, Filastine and Yonderboi, this haunting and daring compilation of vignettes suggests a distant time saturated with contemporary social, emotional and political themes.

IF YOU GO:

American College Dance Association Benefit Concert

Presented by the UM School of Theatre & Dance

When: February 3-4, 2017 at 7:30PM

Where: The Open Space, downstairs in the PAR/TV Center on UM's campus

How much: $5-$10 suggested donation at the door, more gratefully accepted

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