Modern dance steps fly through the air and never stop flying in the University of Arizona dance school's concert "Seasonal Treasures," running through Dec. 2 at the Steve Eller Dance Theatre on campus. Faculty member Doug Nielsen's tribute to the innovative ideas of John Cage is the centerpiece."Quadance" in its premiere performance began with each of the stage's four corners dedicated to specific piece of Nielsen's choreography. Each of these corners was given a letter designation – C, A, G and E – and audience members were asked to send via cell phone their preference for the order these four pieces would be performed.
Random selection has always been a major concept of Cage's performances. By giving chance a chance, no two performances would ever be the same.
All the choreography was based on abstract movement, the dancers (nine men, nine women) wearing white coveralls with the collars turned up, dancing in bare feel. Each corner was represented by a sound: a toy piano, a specially prepared piano, a snare drum and complete silence.
Appreciating the movement as conventional dance was rather challenging, but as a learning experience for the students, the performance was invaluable. The UA dance school takes great pride in offering its triple-track program of training in ballet, modern and jazz dance.
Whether performing or watching the Cage piece, it was also a history lesson.
The remainder of the program included 10 pieces of student choreography, plus "The Soldier's Tale" choreographed by faculty member James Clouser, set to Igor Stravinksy's "The Soldier's Tale," performed by Nolan Austin as the soldier with Clayton Velasquez as the Devil, Marissa Dudenake as the Princess. A violin also plays a major role.
The most romantic piece was "Sheltered," choreographed by student Mirela Roza to music by Gustav Mahler, set on dancers Hayley Frazier and Taylor Bradley. The movement has a slow, elegiac mood enhanced by black costumes that added to the dream quality of their lyrical bonding.
"Seasonal Treasures" continues to Dec.2 in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre on the UA campus. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and again at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets are $25 adults, $23 military and UA employees, $12 students. For details and reservations, 520-621-1162, or www.dance.arizona.edu
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