Ballerinas and modern dancers portray current issues

Chances are, you’ve never seen trained dancers, clad in flamboyant housedresses, impersonating animals. But if this boisterous and awkwardly–funny scene is something you’re interested in, you probably want to attend the Drama/Dance Department’s annual Fall Dance Showcase.
The showcase features 17 original dances choreographed and performed by UM students and faculty, including this Animal Planet-inspired dance entitled “The Dingo Wants More Lollies.” UM dance professor Michele Antonioli, one of the showcase producers, says the dance, which was choreographed by senior dance major Ashley Griffith, offers viewers a hilarious chance to forget about their problems.
“It’s wonderfully lighthearted, whimsical and clever,” Antonioli said. “It’s really absurd humor. Everyone’s talking about the recession and crisis, but I think a little absurdity just helps you let go.”

But humor is not all that the showcase has to offer. All together, 40 dancers will perform in the showcase in pieces ranging from ballet to contemporary dance.
One piece, entitled “Homefront,” uses dance to explore the emotional, mental and physical upheaval experienced when a loved one is sent to Iraq. The piece was choreographed by senior dance major Charissa Oman.
“It addresses the turmoil people left behind feel and the questions they have to answer not only for themselves, but for everyone else in our society.Very few people support the war, but if the person you love is there, you have a very different perspective,” Antonioli said.
Other dances are intended to show off the talent and athleticism of UM dancers. Dance/Drama Department faculty member Nicole Bradley Browning’s dance entitled “Two,” for example, is a dynamic, duet-oriented dance that relies on the extraordinary physicality of dance program students.
“It’s a contemporary piece with a lot of partnering. It’s very physical,” Heidi Eggert, the showcase’s other producer, said. “It’s a beast.”
The Fall Dance Showcase begins Nov. 18 and runs through Nov. 22 at The Open Space Performing Arts Center in the Performing Arts/Radio/TV building on campus. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students.
The pieces are divided into two programs that will show on alternating nights. “Two” is in Program I, which shows Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  Program II includes “The Dingo Wants More Lollies” and “Homefront” and shows Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
kaylee.porter@umontana.edu