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GREAT WORKS
IN DANCE
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Established
in 1996, the Great Works Dance Project introduces WMUs students and
southwest Michigan audiences to the finest world class historic and
contemporary dance works. Renowned choreographers and guest artists
travel to WMU to stage and rehearse these masterworks. While here
they also teach master classes in the style of the choreographer,
and provide dynamic seminars to students and the general public about
the historical significance of the dances.
WMUs Great Works Dance Project enriches and enhances
the programs of the Universitys Department of Dance and brings works
of the highest aesthetic standards to southwest Michigan. It is unique
in that it includes works of major choreographers in all three Western
theatrical dance forms: ballet, modern and jazz. Western Michigan
University is one of only three institutions of higher education in
the nation presenting the works of major choreographers in all three
forms. Choreographers are chosen based on their contributions toward
choreographic innovation.
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WMU's
Great Works Dance Project
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provides students
an opportunity to:
- rehearse and perform
major dance works
- understand and personally
experience their dance heritage
- work and study with
professional dance
artists of the highest caliber
provides adult and children's
audiences in southwest Michigan an opportunity "to":
- view works of some
of the most innovative and influential choreographers
- attend presentations
which address the historical significance of the works
provides faculty an opportunity
to:
- work with recognized
dance professionals
- experience the depth
of our artistic heritage
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WMU's
GREAT WORKS DANCE PROJECT
has already brought
the work of the following
renowned choreographers to southwest Michigan:
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Valse-Fantaisie, by George Balanchine, staged
by Victoria Simon; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director. (1997)
Marimba,
by Lar Lubovitch, staged by John Dayger; Nina Nelson,
rehearsal director. (1997)
Swan Lake, Act II, by Lev Ivanov, staged and
directed by Sharon Garber. (1998)
Rainbow Suite, choreographed and staged by Donald
McKayle, staging assistance by Mary Hinkson; Trudy Cobb,
rehearsal director. (1999)
Released In Their Own Custody, choreographed and staged
by Billy Siegenfeld; Lindsey Thomas, rehearsal director.
(1999)
Serenade (first three movements), by George Balanchine,
staged by Fiona Fuerstner, approved by Victoria Simon; Sharon
Garber, rehearsal director. (2000)
Grusin Suite, choreographed and staged by Frank
Chaves; Lindsey Thomas, rehearsal director. (2001)
Stars and Stripes, by George Balanchine, staged
by Sandra Jennings; Sharon Garber and David Curwen, rehearsal
directors. (2002)
3 Epitaphs, by Paul Taylor, staged by Mary
Cochran; Nina Nelson, rehearsal director. (2002)
Junction, by Paul Taylor, staged by Mary Cochran;
Nina Nelson, rehearsal director. (2002)
Giselle, Act II, by Jean Coralli and Jules
Perrot, staged and directed by Sharon Garber (2003)
Sing, Sing, Sing, by Gus Giordano, staged by
Lizzie Mackenzie; Derrick Evans and Heather Vaughan, rehearsal
directors (2003)
Steps in the Street, by Martha Graham, staged
by Gary Galbraith; Trudy Cobb, rehearsal director (2004)
Suite Otis, choreographed and staged by George
Faison; Derrick Evans, rehearsal director. (2005)
Fire Dance, by Loïe Fuller, reconstructed and
staged by Jessica Lindberg; Megan Slayter, rehearsal director.
(2006)
The 40s, choreographed by Lou Conte, staged
by Lou Conte and Claire Bataille; Natalie Marrone, rehearsal
director. (2006)
How Long, Brethren?, by Helen Tamiris, recreated
and staged by Dianne McIntyre; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal director.
(2006)
Serenade (complete work), by George Balanchine,
staged by Victoria Simon; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.
(2006)
Alleluia, choreographed by Robert Battle, staged
by Robert Battle and Jennifer Mabus; Carolyn Pavlik, rehearsal
director. (2007)
Both 3 Epitaphs and Suite Otis
were invited to be performed at the Kennedy Center
in Washington, DC.
Strict Love, choreographed by Doug Varone,
staged by Eddie Taketa; Carolyn Pavlik, and Nina Nelson, rehearsal
directors. (2008)
Dark Elegies, choreographed by Antony Tudor,
staged by Willy Shives; Sharon Garber, rehearsal director.
(2008)
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WMU's
GREAT WORKS DANCE PROJECT
has now evolved to the point where its further development depends
on the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure its continuing
success. To learn how you can help, please contact Ms. Nina Nelson,
Dance Department Chair, at 269-387-5830 or at nina.nelson@wmich.edu.
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