New work by French choreographer on program for UA Dance Company
The University of Akron Dance Company (UADC) presents its Spring 2015 performances on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m., at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.
This poster created for the dance performances is the work of students in “design x 9” in the Myers School of Art.
Continuing the UA Dance Program’s focus on enabling its students to work closely with acclaimed guest dancers and choreographers, the performances include the premiere of a piece by choreographer Alexandre Munz of France. Munz, known for his SAFE Project — Spine Advanced Functional Empowerment — was on the UA campus in March to set his new work, “Youth with Caution,” on the UADC dancers.
Interconnectedness
The piece, says Munz, “pays homage to the immense potential and promises of our internationally interconnected youth.”
In developing the piece, Munz worked with the UA dancers by using what he calls SAFE Graphysiology, his innovative sensory approach that employs mental imagery to create movement. While on campus, Munz also taught his SAFE Floor and SAFE Barre techniques to students. For more information, visit the safe project online.
The UADC spring performances will also feature original works choreographed by UA dance faculty Robin Prichard, Cydney Spohn and Tom Smith. Prichard is premiering a post-modern piece with the working title “Breathe Together, Breathe Apart.” Smith is exploring the elements using the music of J.S. Bach in his modern work “Elements.”
Spohn’s piece, a mix of romantic style ballet and contemporary movement, will be accompanied on stage by internationally acclaimed pianist Philip Thomson, a faculty member in the UA School of Music.
Tickets in advance and at the door are $14 for general admission, $12 for seniors, UA faculty/staff/alumni, and $7 for students. Call the Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-972-7570 or visit UAevents.com.
Media contacts: Cyndee Snider, 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu, or Lauren Sprowls, 330-972-7895 or administration.arts@gmail.com.