Webster University Dance Ensemble Concert

What/Who:

The Webster University Dance Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Beckah Voigt, has six guest choreographers this year and 30 students performing in this concert. The students are trained in ballet-pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, aerial, and fluidly express themselves through their technique. The concert is full of images, emotions and kinetics that reach into the depths of one’s soul.

Monica Newsam has returned to choreograph another extraordinary aerial piece for the Webster students–this time with eight dancers and four silks. Dancers create a jungle environment, as creatures living comfortably among themselves, on the earth and in “the trees.”

Gary Hubler, the artistic director of Webster Dance Ensemble for more than two decades, has returned from his retirement to create a powerful, dramatic piece for five women.

Maggi Konkel, whose wonderful contribution to last year’s Webster Dance Ensemble was chosen for the Gala Concert of the North Central American College Dance Festival, has choreographed another intense, dynamic group work for the dance students.

Ellen Isom, adjunct faculty at Webster and an active choreographer in St. Louis (last summer’s Shakespeare in the Park) has set a dance focusing on a dozen women, their femininity and their strengths.

Christine Kardell has once again chosen to work with live musicians, this time, a cellist, pianist, clarinetist and violinist. This sensitive, contemporary, pointe piece has some gorgeous partnering and delicate emotional moments.

Beckah Voigt has choreographed a quartet with a sound score by Webster University’s Dance Program Music Director, Alan Schilling. It focuses on the four elements- earth, air, fire and water.

Eddy Ocampo, guest artist from Chicago, has set a rather disturbing, exhilarating piece for ten dancers in wedding dresses, with flailing trains of fabric, strong, gestural lines and abrupt changes in tempo.

Nina Reed continues to bring her incredible costume designs to the stage, collaborating smoothly with the choreographers to bring their vision to fruition. Enjoy music ranging from Messaien and Bach to Pat Metheny and the Beatles.

When:

Friday and Saturday, March 7 and 8 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m. only

Where:

The Browning Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center,
Webster University, 130 Edgar Road

Cost:

$10 for the general public, $5 for seniors and students.

More Info:

Call the Fine Arts Hotline, 968-7128.

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