LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2012) − The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre presents "3Dimensions: Winter Concert of Dance." The inaugural concert, featuring the work of choreographers Susie Thiel, Blake Pearson, Lyndy Franklin Smith and Jeromy Smith, will take to the stage 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Guignol Theatre.
The 2011-2012 school year has seen dance return to university classrooms, as UK Theatre launched a minor in dance. In celebration of the program, "3Dimensions" presents a program of new works from UK and guest choreographers.
Guest artist Blake Burnham Pearson creates a new work inspired by nuevo tango from
composer Astor Piazzolla. The work explores the dramatic and exhilarating tangos; "Fugata," "Sur: Regreso Al Amor" and "Libertango." The contemporary modern choreography is dramatic and full-bodied, and moves through space with the same urgency, intensity and expansiveness that one expects of the highly seductive music. Pearson is a dancer, choreographer and faculty member of the Dalton School in New York City.
Choreographer and performer, Susie Thiel, coordinator of UK Dance Program and lecturer of dance, will present a 25-minute work for five performers titled "How to Fold a Pleated Skirt: An Educational Guide." Working collaboratively and using improvisatory structures with her cast, Thiel draws on "how-to" instructional guides to create a work that encompasses a mixture of vignettes of moving and speaking bodies. Thiel holds a bachelor's degree in dance from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in dance from the University of Michigan. Prior to her graduate work, Thiel lived in New York City for where she performed, taught and choreographed in a broad range of venues.
Lyndy Franklin Smith and Jeromy Smith’s work gives homage to one of musical theatre’s greatest choreographers, Bob Fosse. Known for creating iconic dances for such shows as "The Pajama Game," "Damn Yankees," "Sweet Charity," "Chicago" and "Kiss Me Kate," Fosse’s style and vocabulary of movement have become instantly recognizable and have influenced scores of choreographers. The Smiths are setting a suite of three numbers in tribute to the legendary choreographer. Lyndy Franklin Smith performed with the national tour of "Fosse" in 2002-2003, and has studied the style extensively. Showcasing jazz, musical theatre and tap, the couple hopes to celebrate the life and work of Fosse as well as immerse the UK dancers in his classic style. Both Lyndy and Jeromy have amassed credits performing in national tours of Broadway musicals. They currently are co-executive directors and members of the faculty at Town and Village School of Dance in Paris, Ky.
In the fall of 2011, UK welcomed back to campus a dance minor in the UK Department of Theatre at the UK College of Fine Arts. The program, led by Thiel, is comprised of 21 credit hours. Students pursuing this minor will study such topics as modern dance, choreography, dance history, ballet, jazz, musical theatre and dance improvisation. The program also offers an introduction to dance course that serves as a UK Core Art and Creativity course serving more than 200 students annually.
Tickets for "3Dimensions" are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. To purchase tickets to the concert, contact the Singletary Center ticket office at (859) 257-4929, visit online here, or purchase in person at the venue.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716 or whitney.hale@uky.edu
