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Partners in Dance sponsors trip to see Joffrey Ballet

Feb. 14, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Partners in Dance, which supports the dance program at Western Michigan University, will sponsor a trip to see the magnificent Joffrey Ballet perform "American Masterworks" at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Saturday, March 19.

The cost for the trip is $110 for Partners in Dance members and $120 for non-members. The registration and payment deadline is Feb. 18. The price includes outstanding orchestra seats, round-trip motor coach transportation, an en-route lecture by Sharon Garber, associate professor of dance, and a post-performance discussion with Willy Shives, principal dancer and assistant ballet master with the Joffrey Ballet. Participants will have free time for sight-seeing in the morning and, following the performance, have dinner on their own in the River North District. Seating is limited, and reservations will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

"American Masterworks" will showcase the choreography of three masters of dance. George Balanchine's "Square Dance" whimsically melds together classical movement and the uniquely American folk dance. Fiddlers play excerpts from Vivaldi and Corelli as the dancers perform dazzling classical ballet to the shout of a square dance caller. "Dark Elegies" is a beautiful dance of sorrow choreographed by the great British choreographer Antony Tudor, before he emigrated to the U.S. The work is set to Gustave Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder." Before there was "West Side Story," there was "N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz!," legendary Broadway and ballet choreographer Jerome Robbins' chic, hip tribute to the 1950's beat poet generation with sets designed by celebrated artist Ben Shahn.

Renowned for a remarkable repertory of more than 225 ballets by 85 choreographers, the Joffrey has commissioned the first ballets of such notable American choreographers as Alvin Ailey, Laura Dean, Chicagoan Randy Duncan, Mark Morris, Peter Pucci, Margo Sappington, Anna Sokolow, Edward Stierle, Glen Tetley, and Twyla Tharp. The treasured legacy of dynamic traditions and classically based, cutting edge performances continue the near 50-year vision of its founders.

For more information, call the WMU Department of Dance at (269) 387-5830.

Media contact: Sara Johnson, 269 387-5830, johnsonsa@groupwise.wmich.edu

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