Dancing through the decages

		Dancing throughout the decades: UK Dance Ensemble honors its past, celebrates its future

For 100 years, dance has been a part of the physical education curriculum at the University of Kentucky College of Education, but it took some pioneering young men and women to bring modern dance to UK. This month, the dance program will celebrate its history with a weekend of events honoring alumni of its two dance troupes, Tau Sigma of Orchesis and the UK Dance Ensemble.

Tau Sigma of Orchesis was founded in 1939 by Mary King Montgomery Kouns to provide students an opportunity to perform. Ms. Kouns was a former student of Hanya Holm, one of the founders of American modern dance. Under her leadership and influence, modern dance flourished at the University throughout the '40s, '50s, and '60s.

Rayma Beal, associate professor in the department of kinesiology and health promotions, arrived at the University of Kentucky in 1986 and established the UK Dance Ensemble to expand opportunities for students to explore, choreograph and perform different styles of dance. 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of the UK Dance Ensemble.

The UK Dance Ensemble's spring concerts are the highlight of the reunion weekend and feature pieces choreographed by Dance Ensemble members as well as internationally renowned choreographer Gaspard Louis. At 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21, Dance Ensemble alumni will be recognized and will perform with current members. Tau Sigma of Orchesis alumni will be honored during the second concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Both performances take place in the Recital Hall of the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Tickets are $12, general admission; $10 for students and senior citizens; and $3 for children age 10 and under. Tickets are available from the Singletary ticket office at (859) 257-4929.

Other reunion weekend events include a reception, a Keeneland outing, and a brunch.

Gaspard Louis, from the internationally acclaimed Pilobolus dance troupe will be the featured choreographer for the concert. Pilobolus recently appeared on the 79th annual Academy Awards and has been featured in a series of advertisements for Hyundai.

Student choreographers for the spring concert include: Gretchen Wagner, Ashley Dawson and Anjuli Bhattacharyya of Lexington; Kari Friddle of Versailles; Casey Gregory of Benton; Kate Hedford of Paducah; Emily Hicks and Patrick Martin of Louisville; Catie Pennington of Ashland; Aparna Nigam of Sewickley, Pa.; and Tanea Reed of Newport News, Va.

The UK Dance Ensemble is comprised of students from UK and Bluegrass Community and Technical College. For more information, contact Rayma Beal at 859-223-8062.