CORVALLIS, Ore. - Two new works by Oregon State University dancers, as well as a performance offering a wacky view of clinging relationships, are among the highlights of the 27th-annual Oregon Dance Concert this month.

The concert features imaginative and playful modern and jazz dances by students and regional dance professionals played out on the stage, said Carol Soleau, associate professor of dance in OSU's College of Health and Human Performance and founder and director of Oregon Dance.

Set for April 28-29 at Corvallis' Majestic Theatre (115 S.W. 2nd St.), tickets for the 8 p.m. performances are $12 general, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for 17 years and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at InsideOut Garden Visions, (121 N.W. 2nd St.) or at the OSU Women's Building Issue Room 7 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. weekdays, Soleau said.

The works, "Walk, Don't Run" and "Listen," stretch the jazz dance spectrum, Soleau said. Both pieces were developed by students in Soleau's Jazz III class.

"Walk, Don't Run," is set from the sound score of the film, "Ocean's Eleven," while in "Listen" the dancers find their movement in the music, which twists and tosses them on the stage.

Soleau has also reconstructed two of her timeless signature pieces for the concert. "The Maids," set to music composed by Igor Stravinsky, is based on Jean Ganet's play by the same name. Two maids, linked in the love-hatred of being each other's mirror images exist only with reference to their madame.

"Transmutation," an original score by Robert Campbell, which traces the process of evolution, has been reset on dancer Whitney Rodgers.

An original composition by OSU music faculty member Michael Coolen is the inspiration for creating "Twice Blue," a wacky look at clinging relationships.

The concert is sponsored by the OSU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science, the College of Health and Human Sciences, the OSU Foundation, and the Alonzo and Jennie Bonsal Foundation.

Source: 

Carol Soleau,
541-737-5930

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