Tragedies in Japan Reflected in DeSales Dance Ensemble Concert This Weekend

The tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan last week has given unexpected relevance to a modern dance that will be performed this weekend at Labuda Center. The DeSales University Dance Ensemble (DUDE) will present a dance concert that showcases original ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap selections choreographed by guest artists and faculty members.  

Tim Cowart, Chair of the Department of Dance, choreographed Ukiyo-e: Pictures of the Floating World based on classic Japanese woodblock prints, which often depict waves and water images. Uikyo-e refers to the concept of impermanent, fleeting beauty. Cowart set the piece as a modern dance with Asian influence, giving it a slower, meditative tone. In light of the recent devastation and loss of life in Japan, “this dance has taken on a new significance,” he said. “It is now offered as a prayer.”

One selection, Easter Oratorio by modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman, has been restaged especially for the DeSales ensemble by Janet Towner, a Weidman principal dancer who spent a week in residence at DeSales. The music for the piece is from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Easter Oratorio.” “It’s a beautiful work, appropriate to the season, that brings the past into the present.” Cowart said.

A ballet choreographed by faculty member Trinette Singleton explores the concept of trying to fit in, and does so with humor. Excursion by faculty member Tara Madsen Robbins takes tap to a high-energy animalistic extreme. Junior dance major Kelsey George has choreographed a solo piece that will be danced by Isabel Garcia.

Cowart explained that the dance department engages a prominent guest artist each year to set a final piece for the senior dance majors. This year New York City-based choreographer Sydney Skybetter taught master classes at DeSales. The seniors will dance his Potemkin Piece, which plays with concepts of identity, according to Cowart, “and explores the issues of what is real and what is not.”

There are currently about 50 students majoring in Dance at DeSales.  They earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance.

DeSales University Dance Ensemble Concert- Friday and Saturday, March 18-19 at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 20  at 2 p.m. Labuda Center Main Stage, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley. Tickets: $15/$12. 610 282-3192. www. desales.edu/act1