The Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance will present a dance concert that demonstrates how dance has changed over time.
“Evolution of Ballet,” scheduled from Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, April 28, is the final production the School’s 2012-2013 theater season and the final show in the Stevens Building before it is vacated for renovations over the next two years.
The production features five different dance pieces:
- “La Esmeralda,” a classic pointe ballet piece restaged by Brian Carey Chung;
- two modern pieces choreographed by Morgan Fogarty and guest choreographer Autumn Eckman;
- “Frida,” choreographed by Paula Frasz, which uses masks and aerial work to showcase the life of famous artist, Frida Kahlo; and
- a French style ballet choreographed by Judy Chitwood.
“ ‘Evolution of Dance’ is intended to show the audience how dance has evolved from classic pointe ballet to modern dance, with its intricate floor work and grounded movements,” said dancer Katie Hochleutner.
Senior dance major Mary Bajek said there is a great variety of technique in the different dances, but ballet ties everything together.
“It’s the basis of all dance technique,” Bajek said. “There’s classic ballet with pointe shoes, to pole-vaulting across stage, and lots of lifts.”
“Evolution of Ballet” curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and $8 for students. They can be purchased online, at the box office from noon until 5 p.m. weekdays, or by calling (815) 753-1600.
Walk-up tickets are available an hour before curtain.
For more information, contact the NIU School of Theatre and Dance box office at (815) 753-1600 or sotdboxoffice@niu.edu.
