Danstage 2012 Blog

Preview of Luc Vanier's "Triptych"

2012-02-22T09:37:00.000-06:00

UWSP's Department of Theatre & Dance invites you to a Danstage 2012 preview of guest choreographer Luc Vanier's

Triptych

Thursday, 2/23/12

7:00-7:30

Noel Fine Arts Center 130 Dance Studio

Dancers

Corey Lugo & Pierre Clark

Maggie Zoeller & Mariusz Kujawski

Molly Anderson

Kristen Brockman

Olivia Hoffman

Sarah Johnson

Madelyn Mickelsen

Emily Nowak

Emilee Morton

Claire Wyttenbach

"Triptych"

2012-02-20T21:24:00.001-06:00

"Triptych" / 9 minutes and 20 seconds / Luc Vanier Coreographer / Original score by Chris Burns. This work is more contemporary than "classical." The partnering is difficult ballet partnering and fast paced. Vanier reset this work on Milwaukee Ballet II three years ago and then finalized it to this version to bring it to the Minnesota Fringe Festival.

Welcome guest choreographer Luc Vanier, in residence at UWSP February 19-24!

2012-02-20T19:40:00.002-06:00

Luc is an Associate Professor in the Dance Department at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts and the recipient of the 2009 Wisconsin Arts Board Award for Choreography. Originally from Montreal, he studied at L'Ecole Superieur du Quebec under Daniel Seillier. In 1998, he retired from Ohio Ballet having danced a variety of roles such as the Workman in Kurt Jooss’ Big City, the Third Song of Tudor’s Dark Elegies, as well as the leads in Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante and Paul Taylor’s Aureole among others. Mr. Vanier was also a company choreographer; his dance Square Play, with a score by Libby Larson, was presented as part of the company’s 1995 Joyce season in NYC. His latest interactive work “Sur_Rendered” premiered with the Milwaukee Ballet January 2010. He both received his MFA at the University of Illinois (top ten dance program in US News) and became a certified Alexander teacher in 2001. His research on linking the Alexander Technique, developmental movement and Ballet is at the forefront of integrating somatic work into dance curriculum and has been presented at various conferences and workshops throughout the US, Russia, Australia and the Netherlands. His book Dance and the Alexander Technique: Exploring the Missing Link was published June 2011 by the University of Illinois Press. Luc also partners with Elizabeth Johnson as a dancer and Associate Director of the hybrid Ballet/Modern dance theater company Your Mother Dances. For more information visit www.lucvanier.com.

Wipe, 2.24 studio rehearsal. Eddy Ocampo, Choreographer

2011-03-19T11:14:00.004-05:00

Danstage 2011 Press Release

2011-03-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release: 3/18/2011

The UWSP Department of Theatre & Dance announces Danstage 2011, an evening of dynamic concert dance featuring guest artist, Eddy Ocampo’s acclaimed work, Wipe, and original choreography by UWSP’s Dance faculty.
Danstage 2011 opens in UWSP’s Noel Fine Arts Center Studio Theatre on Friday, April 8th at 7:30 pm. Additional performances area at 7:30 on April 9th, 13th, 14th 15th and 16th with a 2:00 matinee on Sunday, April 10th.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for senior citizens and $12 for youth. UWSP students with a valid ID may purchase advance tickets for $4.50 per show or, be admitted free the day of the show, if seats are still available. Tickets may be purchased at the University Information and Ticket counter in the concourse of the Dreyfus University Center, by calling (715) 346-4100 or (800) 838-3378, or online at www.uwsp.edu/centers/uit/ordering.asp. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.
For more detail and commentary on the show visit the Danstage 2011 Blog: uwspdanstage.blogspot.com.

Chicago guest choreographer Eddy Ocampo worked with UWSP Theatre & Dance students twice this semester – in January to audition his cast and again during February to restage his 2007 compelling, Wipe. A Chicago native, Ocampo has danced with the Joel Hall Dancers, River North Chicago Dance Company and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in addition to enjoying an international career as a master teacher and award-winning choreographer. Ocampo’s chorographic residency was funded in part by the COFAC Great Artists Great Speakers Series.
The choreographic structure of Wipe is based on a stage wipe that occurs throughout the piece. The dancers travel in a line from stage right to stage left and vice versa. The initial idea came with the intent that something new would happen every time a stage wipe occurs. Eventually, the stage wipe took on a role as a governing entity and controlled the dancers throughout the piece. The costumes are wedding dresses - beautiful, yet confining and restricting. The story that developed is based on the premise that although something can be beautiful, as the wedding dresses are, it still can be restricting and inhibiting. The full-bodied choreography is challenging enough without wearing the dresses; performed in the dresses, the dancers struggle to exist within these beautiful confines. At the end one dancer breaks free from the struggle, while the rest are still controlled by the wipe.
In Joan Karlen’s contemporary ballet, Trace, dancers move fluidly through projected tree scenes as their paths are echoed by patterns of appearing and dissolving text. Karlen’s inspiration for the work began last summer while bicycling through the verdant forests of Stevens Point’s Green Circle Trail. After, while participating in The Banff New Media Institute’s Interactive Screens summit, she met Canadian software author Travis Kirton and was introduced to Text Draw and Type Is, software programs that allow text to flow from a pen tip as one draws.
In Trace, projected text paths echo the dancers’ movements. The set is enriched by Wisconsin artist Rafael Francisco Salas’ landscape paintings. Salas, whose work has been cited by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as “one of the best painters working in Wisconsin today,” creates images that evoke a sense of memory and dreams. The resulting themes of generation and illumination are supported by Gary Olsen’s light and Susan Sherwin’s costume design. TJ Searl designed props and is technical coordinator.
Choreographed by Michael Estanich, A Classical Dance I is an ebullient dance inspired by choreographer Paul Taylor’s iconic work Esplanade. The cast of 14 run, skip, dive, fall and leap through the air. Set to Franz Hoffmeister’s Allegro from Violin Concerto in D Major, the dance summons a giddy freedom expressed through a contemporary movement vocabulary and delightful musical interplays.
Michael Estanich’s new dance-theatre work, The Attic Room, examines modes of escapism, and can be considered a fantasy. The set design evokes the private atmosphere of an attic and establishes the main metaphor of confinement and escape. Through a series of vignettes the group of nine dancers navigate uncharted waters of the imagination, transforming themselves into otherworldly creatures. Brenda DeWaters designed the surrealist owl masks and vintage-inspired costumes.
Suite For Buster brings together nine dancers and three musicians in a swinging celebration of tap dance legend James “Buster” Brown. Having studied and performed with Brown, Jeannie Hill passes down Brown’s original choreography to UWSP students and develops a suite of dances to honor her late mentor. Hill commissioned Mathew Buchman, UWSP professor and director of jazz studies, to arrange a medley of some of Brown’s favorite tunes. Following an opening double-time tap routine, a high-spirited second line parade launches the dancers into joyous swing. An exchange of rhythmic wit erupts. Dancers and musicians banter in true jazz tradition. From goofball antics to poetic reverie, the message is universal: Take time to honor the cool “old people” you know.

From Chicago Guest choreographer Eddy Ocampo

2011-03-10T19:40:00.006-06:00

It was a pleasure coming to UWSP to teach master classes as well as reset "Wipe" on the students. Wipe is a very personal piece. There were so many personal journeys for me with Wipe. It is one of the first pieces where I employed improvisation as the means to generate the movement phrases. Not often do I have the luxury of time to create a work in this way, but with Wipe I allowed the dancers to improv for the first 2 weeks of the rehearsal process. I video taped everything and after the improvisation period I moved and arranged things around until we came up with the beautiful piece we have today. The challenge was resetting Wipe on UWSP is that I literally had to go back into the original rehearsal process and remember what was going on in the studio. Each original cast member contributed movement phrases as well as their personal stories. Recreating it with the dancers of UWSP was interesting and challenging. I tried to stay true to Wipe's original form, to its characters, and message, as well as allowing the UWSP dancers to contribute their artistry to the piece. I hope everyone gets a chance to see it! It turned out so beautifully. I am so proud of the UWSP cast!

Eddy Ocampo

'Suite For Buster' Update

2011-02-21T12:45:00.008-06:00

Honoring the life and spirit of tap legend Dr. James ""Buster" Brown, Jeannie Hill's new tap suite is off to a terrific start. We've improvised to swinging jazz tunes and raucous music with a New Orleans second line feel. The dancers are being introduced to Buster's life by learning the steps to his two-chorus routine, an uptempo arrangement of the David Raskin/Johnny Mercer song "Laura." Jeannie's telling stories, we're looking at pictures, watching videos and invite you to take a look at the website created in honor of the great master, http://www.drbusterbrown.com/om

Our Danstage 2011 Program

2011-02-18T13:09:00.006-06:00

Danstage 2011 features five unique works choreographed by faculty members Jeannie Hill, Michael Estanich, and Joan Karlen, and Chicago guest choreographer Eddy Ocampo.

Wipe / choreographed by guest artist Eddy Ocampo

Suite for Buster / choreographed by Jeannie Hill

In The Attic Room / choreographed by Michael Estanich

A Classical Dance I / choreographed by Michael Estanich

Trace / choreographed by Joan Karlen

2011 Guest Choreographer Announced!

2011-02-18T12:40:00.008-06:00

Chicago artist Eddy Ocampo will be staging his original work "Wipe" for Danstage 2011. For more information about Mr. Ocampo please visit http://eddyocampo.com/

John Morser photos

2010-05-07T15:33:00.002-05:00

A finale for one, a debut for others

2010-05-07T15:21:00.002-05:00

http://centralwisconsinhub.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20100507/WDH0501/5060493&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Doug Wojcik | Stevens Point Journal slideshow

2010-05-07T15:19:00.003-05:00

http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20100506&Kategori=SPJNEWS&Lopenr=5060804&Ref=PH

Opening Night!

2010-05-07T09:47:00.004-05:00

It's finally here! Danstage 2010 opens tonight at 7:30! So get your tickets quick and make sure you don't miss this year's amazing show!

The Lonely Visitors, Michael Estanich, choreographer | Ari Wagner photos

2010-05-02T10:20:00.004-05:00

Dirty, Loud, Messy, Ugly video preview

2010-04-28T23:05:00.004-05:00

Dirty, Loud, Messy, Ugly, a three-section work choreographed by Jeannie Hill features nineteen energetic, athletic, visceral, raw, percussive dancers. With a narrative undertone exploring conflict the sections personify desperation, demons, and moving forward. Using recognizable musical and physical quotes Dirty, Loud, Messy, Ugly pays homage to the late, great Michael Jackson.

The Lonely Visitors video preview

2010-04-28T22:42:00.006-05:00

Michael Estanich's new work, The Lonely Visitors, is structured like a poem- a series of images colliding and smashing together to reveal both the whimsical and perfidious nature of the heart. The dancers share stories- with their voices and bodies. Non-linear in nature, the collection of short episodes poner the depths and desires that love holds over us- from the giddiness of a favorite song to the romantic idealism of melancholy to the hurt of a collapsed relationship. The stories take shape in simple, hones, and profound ways and lead the audience on a journey through the imagination.

Cupid Takes A Holiday video preview

2010-04-28T22:29:00.005-05:00

Joan Karlen's Cupid Takes A Holiday combines the sweeping elegance of partnered ballet lifts with a light hearted look at being struck by cupid's arrow. The choreography opens with a theme and variation structure and groups of men and women passing each other with seemingly little consequence. Momentum builds until cupid's instigation disrupts their homogeny and the dancers' expressive range and technical acuity are unleashed in this exuberant revelry.

Mad Rush video preview

2010-04-28T21:37:00.010-05:00

Inspired by a Philip Glass score, Pamela Luedtke's Mad Rush features live accompaniment by pianist Steven Radtke, a 2006 UWSP music major graduate. The dance explores the pace of modern society through each individual's role within a community, alone, and within society. Each dancer alternates between representing an individual and 10,000 people.

Cupid Takes A Holiday slideshow

2010-04-15T15:03:00.003-05:00

John Morser, photographer

Danstage 2010 rehearsals are underway!

2010-02-25T12:12:00.002-06:00

Choreographers Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill, Pamela Luedtke and Joan Karlen are in rehearsal with 5 new works. Check back soon for video previews!

Danstage 2010 tickets now on sale!

2010-02-25T12:05:00.003-06:00

UWSP Box Office
http://www.uwsp.edu/centers/uit/ordering.asp

Buy Your Tickets Now/ Danstage in the News

2009-04-30T21:52:00.000-05:00

Danstage 2009 opens tomorrow!

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, now is the time. The show promises to be a huge hit.

So don't delay, buy your Danstage 2009 tickets now!

Check out the buzz around town about Danstage 2009

-The Scene

- The Stevens Point Journal

-The Pointer

- And more to come...

Danstage 2009 Dress Rehearsal

2009-04-29T23:20:00.000-05:00

Photos from the Monday April 27th Dress Rehearsal.

Danstage 2009 opens this weekend.

Buy your tickets now!

god of dirt Preview

2009-04-21T19:10:00.001-05:00

Sit in on rehearsal and get a sneak peak at god of dirt, a collaboration between UWSP and Jump Rhythm Jazz Project.

god of dirt
Choreography by Billy Siegenfeld

god of dirt is an earth-honoring folk dance that transcends national cultures. Its percussive, hand-grasping, heavy-booted movement life arises from grafting the swinging, sharp-edged rhythms of Jump Rhythm Technique (tm) onto a suite of yearning, mocking, growling, melancholic, and ecstatic songs created by the boundary-crossing Serb-Croat composer Goran Bregovic. This piece complements JRJP's repertory of universal human stories told through emotion-charged bursts of energy and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to performing the vernacular body-rhythms and beat-driven vocalizations that define the core of true jazz performance. In three forward-moving episodes, god of dirt celebrates the survival tenacity, wry humor, and humility that, in combination, re-connect people to community, their own bodies' wisdom, and the earth's capacity for instruction in this increasingly cyber-driven, technology-dependent world.

The Angel and the Albatross Preview

2009-04-20T17:52:00.002-05:00

Inspired by birds, The Angel and The Albatross examines the collective power of the group while recognizing our instinctual desire to be alone. The lush movement palette balances the delicate, personal gesture with the expansive, athletic footfalls of a group of 18. Avian-inspired costuming and a powerful video installation of clouds passing across the bright sky complete the imaginary environment. The Angel and The Albatross transports the viewer to a world of swooping, darting floor patterns and intimate, gentle relationships.

Danstage 2009 Rehearsals

2009-04-16T21:15:00.001-05:00

A 1/4" below the surface of the earth Preview

2009-04-06T19:26:00.002-05:00

In A ¼” below the surface of the earth, choreographer Michael Estanich uses the body as the landscape for fiery physical investigation. The work is designed to challenge the movement habits and physical stamina of the dancers’ bodies and enable them to access their explosive power. Set against a serene installation of hanging wind chimes and circulating air, the dancers navigate complex, high-speed movement patterns with precision and intensity.

The Wonderful World of

2009-03-22T22:51:00.002-05:00

Oz
Poignant, funny and fierce, Jeannie Hill’s new work, Oz, will lift your spirits and leave you with a song in your heart. Located somewhere between Alice’s Wonderland and Dorothy’s Emerald City ten fantastic females (evocative of Frank L. Baum’s unforgettable characters) sing, swing and romp through an enchanted forest in this slightly twisted version of the archetypal quest for self-discovery. Quirky and compelling, this tap dance tale unfolds through rhythmic confabulation inspired by jazz arrangements of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg’s memorable tunes.

Ringtone Preview

2009-03-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

Choreographer Joan Karlen’s Ringtone offers a glimpse into the juxtaposition between physical contact and mediated, screen communication. Ten dancers loop and weave over a series of ramps creating a network of danced relationships. Projected and live images are mixed in real time creating layers of visual and textural information. Composer Max Richter’s series of compositional ringtones provides melodic counterpoint for the athletic and fluid choreography.

The Angel and The Albatross

2009-03-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

The Angel and The Albatross is a work that I originally created in 2004. It began my current fascination with the imagery of birds and my deep connection to choreographic space. Rather simplistically, you can see the swooping patterns in the piece as representations of the flock. In making this work, I was inspired by one particular bird--the albatross. The albatross is a large sea bird that spends much of its life in solitude, until it is ready to mate, and then thousands convene on remote, rocky islands to copulate. I became fascinated by the instinctual desire to be alone that these birds possessed. Also, the great freedom that comes with soaring, floating, and riding the wind across the open sea.

In further exploring the solitude of the albatross, I began to think about the collective power of the flock. Their ability to consume and overtake space with darting, dramatic dives in the air. I began to see flocks of birds as mighty armies, unified. Similarly, the 'angel', referred to it the title, represents these same images. I commonly think of angels as singular, etheral creatures, but I began to imagine an army of angels decending from the sky and rebounding almost instantaneouly upward again.

In developing movement sequences for the piece, I noticed a relationship between lofting through the air and wanting to stay connected to the floor. Interestingly, the movement vocabulary balances between the delicacy of internal reflection and the expansive, athleticism of the footfalls of a group of 18.

In the spirit of the historic Doris Humphrey, ideas of group and individual are very present in this dance. The desire to remain oneself while still connecting to the larger group dominates moments in this piece. Originally created for a cast of 8 dancers, I have expanded the work to include 18 talented UWSP dance students.

I began working with the dancers in the autumn semester as part of the freshman repertory experience. A class where the first year students in our program have the opportunity to work together as an ensemble, get to know each other, and learn the demands of a professional rehearsal environment. The work took on a new life. I do not regularly reset previous work, but the vitality and expressiveness the dancers brought to this piece inspired me to continue reimaging the choreographic possibilities of a large ensemble.

The cast for Danstage 2009 includes 9 of the original freshman from the repertory class and 9 new dancers from the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. We are forging a deep and intuitive relationship that I hope will roll off the stage and wash over the audience like a breezy, summer beach day.

Welcome to the Danstage 2009 Blog

2009-01-28T10:54:00.000-06:00

This is the place to follow along with this year's production and get inside information about the show, including videos and photos from rehearsal and commentary from the choreographers, stage manager and dancers.

So what is Danstage?

It is the annual spring dance production at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The choreography is created by UWSP dance faculty and guests artists. From year to year each show is a unique and excellent experience for the students, faculty and community.

Danstage 2009 with choreography by
Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill, and Joan Karlen

and featuring

god of dirt, UWSP premiere
by guest choreographer, Billy Siegenfeld
artistic director, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project

May 1- 7:30 p.m.

May 2- 7:30 p.m.

May 3- 2:00 p.m.

May 7- 7:30 p.m.

May 8- 7:30 p.m.

May 9- 7:30 p.m.

Jenkins Theatre, Noel Fine Arts Center

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

www.uwsp.edu/theatre-dance

UWSP Box Office: (715) 346-4100
Order online