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The USC Dance Company will perform a concert of classical and contemporary works Nov. 1-2 at the Koger Center.
The concert program will include the classics Swan Lake and Valse-Fantaisie and contemporary pieces Twist and Frail Demons.
The modern choreography of Twist is by Alan Hineline, the resident choreographer for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. With music by Jeremy Begin, the piece is highly physical and will feature guest artist and professional dancer Norbert Nirewicz and an ensemble of six students. Featured will be Carolyn Bolton, Olivia Anderson, Ben Hankinson Jr., Lindsey Shatzer, Bonnie Boiter-Jolley, and McCree O'Kelley.
Act II of Swan Lake is the second work in the medley. The ballet was written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Julius Reisinger in the late 19th century. The ballet, which follows a young prince on his quest for true love, will feature Talin Kenar of the Columbia Classical Ballet in the lead role of Odette.
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| Kyra Strasberg |
Staging for Swan Lake is by Kyra Strasberg, a new artist in residence in the Department of Theatre and Dance. A Columbia native, Strasberg rose to principal status over a 15-year career with the Boston Ballet. She also has taught and staged works for Harvard University."I've returned to Columbia to be part of the expanding USC dance program," she said. "A new building is planned, enrollment is increasing dramatically. For me, that's exciting: I like the idea of helping something grow."
Strasberg said she has enjoyed teaching Swan Lake, which is considered a difficult ballet.
"My challenge has been to create a corps of swans that flies in formation and looks as if they have been doing it their whole lives," she said. "It is a pleasure to teach my students a ballet that is usually left for only the most prestigious of professional dance troupes."
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| Stacy Calvert |
Stacy Calvert, associate artistic director of the dance department, will choreograph Valse-Fantaisie. The ballet, with music by Mikhail Glinka, was originally choreographed by choreographer George Balanchine.
"Valse-Fantaisie, like all of Balanchine's ballets, has stood the test of time and remains popular and poignant today," Calvert said. "This light and sweetly mischievous piece is sure to bring a smile to your heart and a skip to your step."
Valse-Fantaisie will feature students Bonnie Boiter-Jolley, Ben Hankinson Jr., Olivia Anderson, Kerrie-Anne Dunn, Lindsey Shatzer, and Jessica Stroupe.
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| Peter Kyle |
The final performance of the evening will feature guest artist Peter Kyle, founder and artistic director of Peter Kyle Dance of New York City. The solo piece, Frail Demons, was choreographed by Murray Lewis, with music by Alwin Nikolias. The piece is divided into four parts, each of which will explore the concept of inner demons.
Kyle has danced for the Nikolias and Murray Louis Dance Company, the Mark Morris Dance Group, and the Erik Hawkins Dance Company. He also was on the faculty at the University of Washington for five years.
For more information about Mixed Repertory or the USC Dance Company, go to www.cla.sc.edu/dance or call 7-7264.
10/07
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