WE’RE HERE…DANCING!

February may be short but it's long on programming at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Program. Performances showcasing world dance presented by campus and community artists, the Dance Program's Spring Student Concert featuring works by emerging choreographers and the Annual High School Workshop are among special events on the docket this month.

Performances are held on campus in the Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space in Lathrop Hall. Many are free and open to the public with the exception of the Spring Student Concert, February 26-28. Tickets are currently on sale through the Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office, 262-2201. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door beginning one hour before the performances. For more information, contact Doreen Adamany at the 262-2353.

Friday Forum
INTERNATIONAL DANCE SAMPLER
February 13, 3:30-4:30pm

Featuring a broad range of dance forms in an informal performance setting, accomplished Madison-based teachers and performers will dance and speak about their experiences in world dance. Local artists include Sadira, Middle Eastern Dance; Heidi Hakseth, Irish Step Dance; Georgia Corner, Modern Dance; Darrell Dieringer, Latin Dance/Salsa; Donna Peckett, Tap; and Maya Kadakia, African Dance. Don't miss this special opportunity to get a taste of what Madison area dance has to offer!
• Co-sponsored by the UW-Madison Dance Program and the UW Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts

Friday Forum
MOONSHINE
February 20, 3:30-4:30 pm

To celebrate Black History Month, Dance Program students come together with the First Wave urban arts learning community, an African dance performance class, and the theater department to participate in this year's Moonshine ritual under the artistic direction of assistant professor Chris Walker.

In previous Moonshine programs, Walker presented works that focused on the contributions of African Americans to American art and culture. For this performance, Walker asked his students, "What does the concept of Africa mean to you?"

"I'm interested in finding out what Africa means to this generation of students," Walker says. "Their answers will be conveyed through song and dance, hip-hop, spoken word, poetry, drumming and other forms of expression." Come witness their creativity. . .

SPRING STUDENT CONCERT
Thursday-Saturday
February 26-28, 8:00 pm

Emerging choreographers in the Dance Program are encouraged to create and present original work in the for this professionally produced, all-student concert. Early in the fall, students began creating a variety of solo and group works, ranging from the improvisational to the highly structured. Throughout the process, student artists oversee all aspects of presenting their choreography including selection of dancers, music, costumes, lighting and oversight of rehearsals and works. Two works shown in the concert have been selected to represent the university at the American College Dance Festival's regional conference in March at the University of Minnesota. In addition, a senior student choreographer will be chosen to receive the Anna R. Nassif Dance Award for Choreography. Additional details about the program content will be forthcoming.

ANNUAL DANCE PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 27
Lathrop Hall

High school students wishing to experience dance in a university setting are invited to attend the Dance Program's Annual High School Workshop. It's a great way for college-bound students to visit Lathrop Hall's state-of-the-art facilities…and dance! Students are treated to master classes in modern, ballet and world dance taught by the Dance Program's multi-talented faculty, staff and guest artists. Space is limited and registration is required so early sign up is recommended. Register Online
• For more information, contact Karen McShane-Hellenbrand at 262-3679.

For more information on this story, please contact Doreen Adamany, (608) 262-2353 .