LAWRENCE — The University Dance Company is gearing up for its Spring Concert from April 10 to 12. Expect a lively mix of jazz, disco, hip hop, tap, and modern styles. This year, the audience will see innovative pieces from KU faculty and a guest choreographer from Kansas City.
In a heartfelt tribute, videos will honor two beloved KU dance professors, Willie Lenoir and Joan Stone. Local music will also play a key role. Guest artist Sam McReynolds will showcase music by Kansas City violist Christina Silvius. Both are residents at the Charlotte Street Foundation. Additionally, a piece featuring Forrest Pierce’s composition, performed by the Night Heron Zikr Band, will come to life through choreography by Michelle Heffner Hayes. “Redtail Zikr” highlights meditative chants from the Tallgrass Sufi Community.
A total of 40 KU students will perform in this concert, with shows at 7 p.m. on April 10-11 and a matinee at 2 p.m. on April 12. It all takes place at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall, and select performances will be available via livestream. Tickets can be found on the official webpage or at the Murphy Hall box office.
McReynolds, who has a challenging dance piece for the concert, developed this during his two-week residency at KU. He previously danced in Los Angeles and is now part of the Owen/Cox Dance Company in Kansas City.
Heffner Hayes will debut a new piece titled “Liveness,” which blends movement and meditation to explore connection. Through their dance, performers aim to express awareness and care.
Maya Tillman-Rayton, the concert’s producer, sees this event as a chance to unite people. “It’s about finding belonging and uplifting each other,” she said. She and fellow lecturer Claire Buss are collaborating on a grand finale that draws inspiration from the disco era of the 1970s, a time when diverse groups came together to escape the everyday grind.
This concert not only showcases talent but serves as a reminder of the power of art to bring people together during challenging times. The desire to share stories about the human condition resonates strongly with all the choreographers involved.
The creative team includes experts like Kelly Vogel, the head of theatre design, and Logan Fixsen, a sophomore costume designer. Each member contributes their unique skills, enhancing the concert and making it a standout performance.
Students in the cast come from varied backgrounds, reflecting the diversity at KU. A number of them are studying dance, communication, and even psychology, illustrating the rich tapestry of talent at the university.
As the world embraces art’s role in society, the University Dance Company’s Spring Concert stands out as a significant cultural event. It’s not just a show; it’s a celebration of creativity and humanity.
For those curious about the choreographers: Sam McReynolds is a talented artist whose work spans across various platforms, and Michelle Heffner Hayes brings years of experience in choreography and teaching. Maya Tillman-Rayton and Claire Buss enhance the concert with their unique backgrounds and expertise, showing how the next generation of artists is shaping the dance community.
The University Dance Company is part of the Department of Theatre & Dance and thrives thanks to support from students. Their performances highlight the vibrant arts scene at KU, underlining the importance of collaboration across disciplines.
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