THE
LEARNING CURVE Winter/Spring 2010
Art History, Archaeology, Astronomy, History, Literature, Philosophy, Music
Portraits of 20th Century Choreographers
Learn about two iconic choreographers, their work, and the impact of their artistic voice on the field of dance. Discover how choreographic works are staged on new dancers as you discuss the process of moving a dance from the studio to the stage. Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre and dance studios and observe working rehearsals in this new two-part class co-sponsored by the University of Arizona School of Dance.
Part 1 - Portrait of George Balanchine
George Balanchine is considered the greatest choreographer of the 20th century. After studying at the Imperial Ballet School, he left the Soviet Union in 1925 to join the Ballets Russes, where his choreography of Apollo (1928) exemplified the spare neoclassical style that became his trademark. A pioneer of ballet in the United States, Balanchine founded the Ballet Society in 1946 with impresario Lincoln Kirstein. The Ballet Society became New York City Ballet in 1948. Balanchine created more than 150 works for the company, including The Nutcracker (1954), Don Quixote (1965), and Jewels (1967), and he also choreographed musicals and operas. He collaborated closely with the composer Igor Stravinsky, setting more than 30 works to his music. Balanchine’s work remains in the repertoires of many companies worldwide and continues to influence the field.
When: Wednesday, Feb 10, 4:00-5:30pm
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre home of the UA Dance Ensemble, is a 295-seat theatre that was designed and built especially for dance. It is unmatched for its comfort and viewing pleasure. The theatre is located at the east gateway to the UA campus (near the corner of Campbell Avenue and the UA Mall). Parking is available at the Cherry Avenue garage for a small fee - see link for details: http://www.library.arizona.edu/about/locations/parking.html.
Cost: $20
Instructor: Melissa Lowe teaches Advanced Ballet and Pointe at UA School of Dance. As a professional dancer, Ms. Lowe performed the works of George Balanchine with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. Ms. Lowe is the rehearsal director for UA Dance’s upcoming presentation of Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, Feb. 18 - 28, 2010.
Part 2 - Portrait of Donald McKayle
Donald McKayle is an African-American modern dancer, choreographer, teacher, director and writer best known for creating socially conscious concert works during the 1950s and 60s that focus on expressing the human condition and more specifically, the black experience in America. He was among the first black men to break the racial barrier by means of modern dance. His talents extend beyond the concert stage as McKayle has also performed and choreographed for Broadway musicals, theatre, television, and film. He has worked with many choreographers such as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Anna Sokolow, and Merce Cunningham. A Tony Award and Emmy Award nominee, McKayle is currently a Professor of Dance, Modern Technique and Choreography, at UC Irvine, in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts Dance Department. He has served on the faculties of Connecticut College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Bennington College.
When: Wednesday Mar 3, 2:30-4:00pm
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Cost: $20
Instructor: Douglas Nielsen teaches Modern Dance and Choreography at UA School of Dance. A former member of the Batsheva Dance Company in Israel and Gus Solomons, Pearl Lang, and Paul Sanasardo dance companies in New York, Mr. Nielsen also performed solo works by Viola Farber, Beverly Blossom, Anna Sokolov, Murray Louis and Charles Weidman. Mr. Nielsen will be the rehearsal director for UA Dance’s upcoming presentation of Rainbow ‘Round my Shoulder, Apr. 16 – 25, 2010.
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