UW-River Falls Dance Theatre to Present Annual Spring Concert

February 13, 2015--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dance Theatre will present its annual spring concert at 7:30 p.m. March 4-7 in the Blanch Davis Theatre in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building.   

The concert features the work of numerous UWRF Dance Theatre alumni, current students, faculty, and professionals. The evening will consist of diverse dance forms from classical Chinese, swing, contemporary, modern, jazz, and hip hop fusion.    

This year's guest artist, Tricia Wood, has created a fun and uplifting swing dance featuring East Coast Swing. Wood's many years of experience competing in ballroom competitions helped create a mix of precision with exciting, exuberant steps.   

Dance Theatre alumna Haiya Zhang has restaged a classical Chinese dance, previously premiered in 2008, in conjunction with the university's "Year of China" theme, for this year's concert.  Zhang's "A Lovely Folk Song" whirls brightly colored Chinese parasols with enchanting grace and visual spectacle. Ricardo Suarez has constructed a comical number, "The Waiting Room," that takes the mundane waiting room experience to new quirky heights.    

UWRF Dance Theatre Director Mari Kline-Kluck's "Bereavement" explores the stages of grief from different perspectives as it features the vocal expertise of Jenna Cook accompanied by the brilliant piano of Sor Her. Kline-Kluck also choreographed a full company piece, "Shadows," beginning with eerie ambient accompaniment that quickly transitions into a boisterous fusion of contemporary hip hop dance.   

The piece "Humans," choreographed by Rana Kuebker, explores human relationships and interactions. Kuebker challenges existing notions while encouraging supportive contact. UWRF student Marcus Dryer has created an hilarious satire which uses a remix of a familiar soundscape from Star Wars for his virtuosic, yet comical take on some very recognizable characters.    

UWRF Dance Theatre, a modern dance company, has brought an artistic dance program to students who love to dance for more than 30 years. It strives to provide rich dance experiences and performances to River Falls and the surrounding communities and is appropriate for all ages and backgrounds.   

Admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors (60+), and $5/students and children. Tickets can be purchased at the University Theatre Box Office in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building Monday-Friday from 1-5 p.m. or by phone at 715-425-3114 beginning Feb. 23. On performance days, the Box Office opens at 3 p.m. for ticket purchases. 

For more information about the concert, email Kline-Kluck at mari.kline@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-0743.