The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance presents its ninth annual production of the American College Dance Festival Benefit Concert, January 27-28, 2012.
The concert features dancers and choreographers who will be attending the Northwest Regional American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA) conference happening in March at the University of Utah. The Benefit Concert features choreographers’ work that will be performed at this year’s ACDFA and adjudicated by nationally and internationally renowned dance artists and critics. The Benefit Concert is a compilation of nine original pieces of choreography showcasing over 30 dancers.
The Benefit Concert raises money for UM dance students to attend the Northwest Regional American College Dance Festival held at Northwest universities each year. This concert represents the latest contemporary dance work from the students and faculty who will be attending the Festival. The concert is entirely student-run, with full lighting, costumes, sound design, choreography, and performance. Highlights of this year’s concert include:
• “My Body,” a contemporary dance choreographed for six women by senior dance major Collin Ranf. “My Body” provides provocative imagery associated with body image. This dance will be adjudicated at ACDF.
• “you and me,” choreographed by professor of dance Nicole Bradley Browning. A duet set to the music of INXS, Penguin Café Orchestra, Typhoon, Radiohead and Ganaucheau, “you and me” explores the idea of identity and the multiple identities one might assume in an intimate relationship throughout the course of one day, a week, a year, a lifetime. This dance will be performed in the Informal Dance Concert at ACDF.
• A new dance performed by Bare Bait Dance, Missoula’s newest professional dance company. Under the artistic direction of adjunct assistant professor Joy French, the company will perform an original contemporary modern dance.
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