New dance works explored at UM

Choreographer combines degrees in dance, mathematics

MISSOULA – The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance will present the experimental and intimate dance concerts “Dance New Works” in March.

The events highlight original choreography by the performers and UM students.

Produced by UM Associate Professor of Dance Heidi Jones Eggert, “Dance New Works” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 7-9, as well as at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the Open Space in UM’s Performing Arts and Radio/TV Center.

There are two programs. Program I is March 7 and March 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Program II is March 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. 

The production is general admission only, and tickets cost $10. Purchase tickets by calling the UMArts Box Office at 406-243-4581 between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tickets also are available at http://www.umt.edu/theatredance.  

This production marks the second of this season’s Theatre & Dance’s Studio Series. “Dance New Works” is an annual showcase in the Dance Program’s intimate home venue, the Open Space, and it celebrates emerging student choreographers and faculty members. This year also will feature Faith Morrison, an acclaimed guest artist and alumna of the UM dance school.

Since graduating with her dance and mathematics degrees, Morrison completed her master’s degree in dance and worked professionally, teaching, performing and choreographing across the Northwest – most notably with the Polaris Dance Theatre in Portland, Oregon.

Morrison’s newly choreographed work, “Threshold,” investigates human connection, cycles of emotional instability and boundaries between people or within oneself. Through the use of gesture and virtuosic movement, the work reveals the power of crossing through thresholds of relationship.

Eight dance majors embody the sensitive work in Program II of “Dance New Works.” 

Junior dance major Jordan Stuber will present “Energetically Poised,” a contemporary, musically driven ensemble piece, performed with razor-edgeprecision. In fulfillment of Stuber’s junior creative project – a requirement of the undergraduate dance curriculum – she worked collaboratively with faculty and students of the Design Technology program of the School of Theatre & Dance to create an engaging backdrop.

Seven duets, featuring the collaborative work of the performers, will be presented by an advanced Creative Practice course. The group was charged with defining their creative habits and then challenged to exceed those, resulting in rich and unexpected journeys.

Ten additional dances across a spectrum of genres, ranging from experimental to fully conceptualized and produced, round out the two programs – totaling 19 new works of choreography. The diversity of artistic voices in “Dance New Works” will provide the viewer with myriad dance aesthetics and experiences. 

For more information, call Eggert at 406-529-5401 or email heidi.eggert@umontana.edu.