Repertory Dance Theatre to Present LEGACY, 10/3-5

Repertory Dance Theatre, America's premiere modern dance repertory company since 1966, will open the 2013-2014 season with LEGACY on October 3-5, 2013.

The centerpiece for this stirring concert will be modern dance legend José Limón's masterwork, "Missa Brevis." This monumental work is a memento to cities destroyed during World War II and to those unconquerable qualities in human beings that compel the spirit to rise in hope and to survive. The choreography features 22 dancers including RDT and guests from BYU Division of Dance and Utah Valley University who will perform to a powerful score by Zoltán Kodály.

Also on the concert are works by Doris Humphrey, Ted Shawn, Bill Evans, and Ze'eva Cohen -- all legacies in the history of modern dance and of RDT.

Ted Shawn and Doris Humphrey are featured on the concert in the form of three solos, all choreographed in the early 1930s. Humphrey's "Two Ecstatic Themes," choreographed in 1931, explores elements of opposition including both spatial and psychological ideas. While Shawn's "Solvent" and "Folding and Unfolding" are meant to show the strength and competitiveness of male dancers.

"For Betty," was originally choreographed in 1970 by one of RDT's most prolific and renowned alumni, Bill Evans. Evans created this joyous piece for Dr. Elizabeth Hayes, former Chair of the Modern Dance Department at the University of Utah, whose teaching career spanned 48 years.

Finally, Ze'eva Cohen's, "Ariadne" portrays the legacy of the daughter of King Minos of Crete in Greek mythology. The piece explores the spirit of Ariadne through 15 gestures found on ancient Helenic vases.

Since 1966, Repertory Dance Theatre has been preserving dance history, creating new dance, and enriching community. To open the 48th of season of dance in Salt Lake City, LEGACY embodies the importance of modern dance in our culture and our history.

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