Theatre presents 'Global Perspectives'

The Indiana University Dance Theatre is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a special concert of international flair at the Annual Faculty and Guest Artist Concert.

“Global Perspectives,” which will draw upon universal themes and dances from around the globe, will be performed Jan. 11 and 12 in the Ruth N. Halls Theater at 275 N. Jordan Ave.

“Our annual concert is a real celebration of not just American modern dance but global approaches as well,” said Elizabeth Shea, the director of IU Contemporary Dance in the IU School of Public Health.

“It’s an extremely diverse concert with something for everyone,” she said. “As always, our dancers are beautiful and perform with great skill and maturity.”

The global perspectives theme features works by influential modern dance choreographers David Parsons and Bill Evans, as well as visiting professor Ma Gulandanmu. Original pieces were contributed by IU faculty choreographers Shea, Selene Carter, Iris Rosa and George Pinney.

Shea said modern dance, like other distinctly American art forms in jazz music and tap dance, emerged in the United States as a reflection of the diversity of traditions and cultures indigenous to the country, as well as the political and social climate of the 20th century. As modern dance’s influence spread to other countries, it can now be seen in such forms as contemporary ballet in Europe and new approaches to the traditional social dances of many world cultures.

The student dancers will interpret influences from Brazil, Japan, China and the African Diaspora, along with such universal themes as marriage and women’s rights.

The IU dancers examine the universal theme of marriage in Bill Evans’ dark and dream-like “Rite of Summer,” as well as the music of Brazilian composer Milton
Nascimiento.

“The music involves unique instruments and sounds and provides a rich background for the beautiful and intense physical movements of the dance,” Shea said.

The dancers will also stage traditional Chinese folk performances at the concert.
Before the concerts, there will be talksfrom 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Neal-Marshall Grand Hall off of the theater lobby, featuring digital dance archiving Jan. 11 and Chinese and modern dance Jan. 12.

The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 and 12, as well as a family matinee at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12.

Tickets are available in advance, priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children, seniors and IU students with ID. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, seniors and IU students if purchased at the door.

“It’s fantastic to be able to present such a diverse array of choreography and performances, spanning many centuries and including dances and shared experiences from all over the world, to the Bloomington community,” Shea said.