Dance Concert 2002

Dancers are in their element at Schwartz Center

Talented Cornell choreographers breathe life into the four elements of earth, water, air and fire in an evening of dance at the Cornell Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. More than 30 Cornell dancers will represent these essential components of life in this annual showcase of original dance work.

The elements of air, earth, water and fire come alive on the Cornell Schwartz Center stage during Dance Concert 2002, March 7-10. More than 30 talented undergraduate dancers will perform including (from left) Lisa Morse, Denise Pasquale, Krista McFadden and Cindy Postma. Call 254-ARTS for tickets and information. Frank DiMeo/University Photography

Dance Concert 2002 will be performed March 7-9 at 8 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $9 for the general public. For tickets and information, call or visit the box office in the Schwartz Center, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; 254-ARTS.

The dance concert, titled "Les Elements Dansant et les Chevreaux (The Dancing Elements and the Goat Kids)," also brings into play a mysterious fifth element -- goats, or satyrs, that serve as narrators or explorers as the four dance element pieces are revealed. The five faculty choreographers for the dance concert (Jumay Chu, Janice Kovar, Joyce Morgenroth, Jim Self and Byron Suber) developed each element dance separately and then worked together under the direction of Jim Self to merge the piece as a cohesive whole.

"The performance will be very playful and entertaining as well as provocative. It represents a range of dance, musical and performance styles unified by a common theme of search and discovery," said Self, who is the dance concert coordinator.

In addition to the original choreography, the evening of dance features original music scores by Allen Fogelsanger and Max Buckholtz. Original lyrics for the singing chevreaux were created by Self. A live or

chestra composed of professional musicians and students will play each performance.

"Les Elements Dansants et les Chevreaux" is supported by a team of designers and theater crews.

Creating the world where the elements reside is set and lighting designer Ed Intemann, resident lighting designer at the Schwartz Center. Fun, colorful and moveable costumes for the dance concert have been designed by Richard MacPike, Schwartz Center Costume Shop manager.

February 28, 2002