IU performers explore new frontiers by performing pieces

The Indiana University Departments of Kinesiology and Theatre and Drama unite this Thursday and Friday at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre to present "New Frontiers/Contemporary Traditions," a performance in its fourth year of production.\nThe performance is open to the public and will consist of various forms of art including music, dance and video sequences performed by student dance groups.\nThe program was named after the New Frontiers grants received by IU's Contemporary Dance Program faculty members Laura Poole and Elizabeth Shea. \nFaculty members from the School of Music, the School of Fine Arts and the African American Dance Company, as well as guest artist IU Alumni Liz Monnier, worked in collaboration on the production. \nAfrican American Dance Company director Iris Rosa choreographed two pieces which will have African, Cuban and hip-hop influences and will premiere in the show. \nBut students are the program's centerpiece.\n"Many IU Students take part in the production," said Shea. "It is simply a fantastic evening of performance art, that will engage the audience on many sensory levels, and they will leave feeling fulfilled." \nShea believes that attending the event will leave audience members with a new appreciation of modern dance and promote acceptance for new approaches to dance performance. Shea also hopes the production is a positive educational experience for the dance students involved. \nAbi Rich, a junior majoring in dance and performing in the event, has high hopes for the audience reaction. \n"I would like the audience to feel engaged in the performance, whether it be thinking about movement in a new way, developing some sort of connection to part of the performance, or simply feeling interest or appreciation for what they saw and heard," she said.\nRich's expectations come as a result of the time and effort invested in this production by students and faculty. \n"The students began rehearsals as classes were starting in September, and those working behind the scenes began work long before that," Rich said. \nTickets for students, seniors and children under 12 are $13 and $16 for adults and can be purchased at the IU Auditorium Box Office, or online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Rush tickets will be available to IU Students 30 minutes before the performance begins.\nFor more information visit http://www.indiana.edu/~kines/dance_new_frontiers.html.