UK Dance Ensamble 2008

		UK Dance Ensemble to Hold Annual Spring Concert

When spring arrives, you can be assured of certain things returning: the birds chirping, warmer temperatures and, of course, finals. But another great tradition also returns as the University of Kentucky Dance Ensemble presents its annual Spring Concert.

The 2008 edition will be presented April 19-20 at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.

“The UK Dance Ensemble is composed of 28 talented dancers,” said Rayma Beal, director of the ensemble and associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP). “The men and women in this group have a passion for dance, want to expand their artistic abilities and spend many extra hours each week rehearsing for the concert.”

Three guest artists are providing some of the choreography for this season’s concert.

Julia Falach, a Lexington native who has spent the past few years dancing in New York City, has returned to town as a part-time UK faculty member teaching ballet, pilates and modern dance. Falach danced with the Lexington Ballet before earning her MFA in Dance from New York University.
Stephanie Pevec recently moved to Lexington after earning a degree in modern dance performance from Kent State University, and she has worked in arts administration and has taught dance and choreography for dancers in Wooster, Ohio.
Meredith Sims, an Indiana native, received a degree in dance from Point Park College. Sims is a master’s degree student in KHP with a focus on pedagogy and dance certification.

The performance will include a variety of dance types that range from modern, tap, ballet, musical theatre and Indian-Bangra, a lively form of Indian dance. The music will range from 15th century to the 20th century.

“The Spring Concert will explore different ideas and emotions through a variety of dance forms that will evoke responses from the audience,” Beal said. “We hope to make the audience laugh, gasp at our risk taking, contemplate our feelings and enjoy what we have created. As the dancers have said since rehearsals began in January, ‘This will be our best concert!’ ”

Tickets can be purchased at the Singletary Center for the Arts Box Office or by calling (859) 257-4929. Prices are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $3 for children age 10 and under.