Spring Break
New faculty presents 'Danse Macabre' for holiday treat
For those still in a Halloween mood, be sure to take in UMKC's Fall Dance Concert, 'Choreofest.'
Nicole English
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Culture
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Tice's featured piece is a gothic tale of ghostly encounters.
Tice is a welcome addition to the Dance Division, bringing his 30 years of professional dance experience in Europe and North America to the Conservatory.
His choreography is energetic and engaging, stretching students' talents in new directions.
"For this concert, I wanted to do a Halloween piece," Tice said. "It is about the spirits coming to grips with death, struggling with their transition into the afterlife and going into the light."
Set to Saint-Saens' popular work, "Danse Macabre," Tice presents a challenging ballet suite that literally keeps the students "on their toes" with complicated partnering and athletic choreography.
The choreography is demanding, but gives students a taste of professional ensemble work.
"It is a fun piece … but it is a very hard piece to do," sophomore Kelanie Murphy said. "For the entire time that I am on stage, I am constantly running and jumping at full speed … and it is all good … it is just very demanding. … I really have to hustle to keep up with the music."
Other faculty members will also present their original works for this annual showcase of choreography, including Sabrina Madison-Cannon ("The Widows"), Rodni Williams ("Utmost") and DeeAnna Hiett ("Bound to ...").
Paula Weber, Dance Division Chair, will present a modern ballet piece ("Between Impulse and Action") set to the music of Mozart, featuring advanced toe-shoe skills dressed in holiday colors.
"It is a fun and action-packed piece that highlights each dancer in a short solo spot," Weber said. "It gives the students a chance to show off their advanced pointe-work."
Mary Pat Henry, associate dean of Conservatory Faculty Affairs, is presenting a modern ballet to music by William Russell ("Percussion Suite").
Dressed in burgundy and green leotards, the choreography is sharp, crisp and angular, which complements the abstract percussive music.
"This is music I always wanted to choreograph," Henry said. "Russell composed the music in 1932, but he was ridiculed for his ideas … he was way ahead of his time. … He was later rediscovered at age 70, and finally got the recognition he deserved."
"Choreofest" is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 5-7) in White Recital Hall (4949 Cherry St.) in the Performing Arts Center, and is open to the public.
Tickets will be available to the general public for $8, $6 for seniors.
Free admission for UMKC faculty, staff and students with UMKC or student ID. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222.
nenglish@unews.com
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