February 1, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Kim Strunk
(801) 863-7225
For the first time ever, UVSC Department of Dance students representing ballet, modern, and ballroom dance will perform side by side when UVSC’s Department of Dance and Utah Regional Ballet present “Dance For Walt Whitman.” The landmark performance will take place February 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. at UVSC’s Ragan Theater.
“Dance for Walt Whitman” was originally choreographed in 1958 by legendary choreographer Helen Tamiris and was first choreographed for Utah dancers in 1961. “‘Dance For Walt Whitman’ is a positive, uplifting classic—one that evokes the spirit of the American dream and the spirit of the Department of Dance,” says Kim Strunk, assistant professor of dance and department chair at UVSC.
Strunk, along with fellow Assistant Professors of Dance Angela Banchero-Kelleher and Nichole Ortega, recently received a grant form the National Endowment of the Arts to support reconstruction of “Dance for Walt Whitman.” Linda C. Smith, executive artistic director of Repertory Dance Theatre, was an original cast member and received permission from Ann Mackenzie, the executor of the Tamiris estate, to reconstruct “Dance for Walt Whitman” in 1992.
The cast is made up of 27 dancers and not only includes members of UVSC’s Department of Dance, but also two young dancers from BYU’s Children’s Dance Program and guest dancers from the community. Larry Harper, professor of English and literature will narrate the performance. The music is an original score by David Diamond.
Tickets for the event may be purchased at Campus Connection in UVSC’s Sorensen Student Center or by calling (801)863-8797. Tickets for the public are $12. UVSC students, faculty and staff can purchase tickets for $10.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Brenda Johnson
(801) 863-7011