WMU dancers perform prof's work in nation's capital
Jan. 9, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- An excerpt of a multimedia work by a Western Michigan University dance professor has been selected for performance at the 15th Annual Conference of the International Association of Blacks in Dance and will be brought to life by six WMU students and a guest artist.
The 20-minute excerpt is from "In the Words of the Dance Collector: From Bamboula to Ballet" by Trudy Cobb, associate professor of dance. The performance will take place Jan. 15 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The work, which celebrates Joe Nash, dance historian and archivist, premiered at the WMU Dance Technology Concert in November. Nash has been a regular presenter at the IABD conferences.
Students Karla Hagan, Edgar Page, Erica Parker, Sabrina Merrill, Judith Sykora and Brooke Valot will perform the piece, along with guest artist Linda Simmons, assistant professor of dance at Wayne State University. Dance and theatre major Christina Maley will serve as technical assistant for the performance.
The students will remain in Washington until Jan. 19 and participate in master classes and attend panel discussions and concerts by professional dance companies. They also will have the opportunity to audition for scholarships to summer programs and for professional companies seeking new dancers.
Before departing for the nation's capital on Jan 15, the cast will perform "St. Jude's Chapel," a five-minute excerpt from the work, on Jan. 12 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Miller Auditorium.
Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu