Dancers Perform Excerpts from 'The Nutcracker'
A tribute to 20th century modern dance pioneer Jose Limon and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will highlight the annual fall performance of the Alma College Dance Company.
The concerts begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 in the Remick Heritage Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
Dance concert features excerpts from 'The Nutcracker.'
The first act features two pieces choreographed by Maxine Steinman, a trained Jose Limon dancer from New York City who recently completed a 10-day residency with the Alma College dancers. Limon was a pivotal modern dancer who emerged to fame in the 1950s and ‘60s, says Carol Fike, director of Alma’s dance program.
“We were thrilled to have Maxine Steinman set two pieces on our company,” says Fike, artistic director for the concert. “She is much acclaimed in the dance world and has been invited to Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Cyprus to teach, choreograph and perform her work.
“Her choreography is beautifully crafted and rich with emotion and earthy sequences that are exquisite to watch,” says Fike.
The first piece is a “fast-moving, non-stop” work set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The second piece, “Window Stories,” is darker, avant-garde and retrospective, says Fike.
The second half of the program features excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Jenifer Sarver, visiting assistant professor of dance.
Joining the company’s 18 student dancers will be guest artists Kristen Bennett, a member of the Alma College adjunct dance faculty, and Brandon Koepsell, a Detroit native who has performed in France as well as in Los Angeles. In addition to performance, Koepsell trains and choreographs for students of all ages in the areas of ballet, contemporary jazz and partnering.
Also assisting are Mike Sheldon, technical director and lighting/set designer, and Tina Vivian, costumer designer.
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Posted: Tue, October 23rd, 2012 at 9:47AM
