The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dance Theatre will present their annual spring concert Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Blanche Davis Theatre of the Kleinpell Fine Arts building, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls.
The family-friendly free general admission event is open to everyone. Doors open at 7 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The evening will include diverse dance forms including Modern, Afro-Peruvian, Ballroom, Jazz, Ballet, Charleston, Hip Hop, and Contemporary Dance performed by UWRF Dance Theatre alums, students, faculty, and professionals.
Choreographer Gisella Reyes staged an energetic Afro-Peruvian piece titled Festejo, using rhythm from the South-Central Coastal Department of Ica. Dancers focus their upbeat movement in their hips, arms, and feet. Mutationem, crafted by alumni choeographer Mary Coleman, is a beautiful, baroque-style vampiric ballet piece. Mutationem means “to change,” and as such, she uses partner work and prop symbolism that can represent any big change in life, not just being turned into a vampire. Into Our Moment, a contemporary trio self-choreographed by Student Choreographers Claire Brindley, Lily Callander, and Cassie Fay, invites the audience into a journey of their friendship through dance and as members of Dance Theatre. These choreographers use dynamic movements that come together and move back apart, much like the waves of life. Meep Mop Beep Bop, created by Faculty Choreographer Mari Kline-Kluck, is an upbeat Charleston dance number that will make you bounce in your seat. This full-company piece combines classic Charleston dance steps with a more contemporary jazz style.
UWRF Dance Theatre, a modern dance company, has brought an artistic dance program to students with a passion for dance for over 40 years. It strives to provide rich dance experiences and performances to River Falls and the surrounding communities.