Two modern dance faculty members from the University of Utah will show a collage of contemporary dance and film this weekend at the Dougherty Dance Theatre.
Pamela Geber and Eric Handman will present four new pieces by several renowned choreographers and two of Handman’s modern dance film creations in “Palpate: An Evening of Dance and Film.” Dance department chair Jenifer Craig called Geber and Handman’s performances “breathtaking.”
“They’re athletic but still beautifully graceful,” she said. “They’re riveting on stage.”
The dancers will couple up on stage for one number, “approaching no’calm,” which Geber said will be an animalistic, dimly lit representation of their relationship. Geber, who focuses on modern and eclectic dancing, has danced professionally in New York City and was a visiting faculty member at the University in both 1998 and 1999.
“Dancing is just something I’ve always loved,” she said. “I come from a family of artists — mostly musicians. I’ve been dancing for a really long time.”
Geber will present two solos in the concert. In the first, “Attic,” she will portray a woman haunted by her unpleasant memories. The piece was inspired by the texts of writers Jhumpa Lahiri and Milan Kundera. Geber said her work is open to interpretation.
“There isn’t one set meaning [to any dance],” Geber said. “But there is always a distinct mood and texture.”
Her second solo, “Material,” was created especially for Geber by choreographer Sara Rudner, who has worked with celebrated dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.
“‘Material’ has some movements that are quiet and meditative, some that are flurried and panicked and some that are coy,” Geber said.

Handman, who has taught dance internationally and performed professionally in New York City, will perform one solo, “Spectre.” This piece will highlight improvisational movements and lighting. His interest in producing dance for film was a reaction to the lack of modern dance in existing film.
“I wanted to empower my area of dance,” he said. “I create choreography specifically for films. The camera and the editing process are active parts of the choreography.”
He will be presenting “White Room,” a film that takes viewers on a journey from a finished film product to a rough process of choreographing and film making. The second film, “Exile,” is an abstract narrative about a man and his relationship to a white salt desert landscape.
Geber and Handman recently received the Boekelheide Creativity Award, which was founded by the late chemist Virgil Boekelheide and his wife Caroline — both avid supporters of the Eugene Symphony and the Eugene Ballet Company. The award rotates annually to honor achieved chemists, musicians and dancers and funds an educational visit for the recipient to the University.
Both dancers will teach modern and ballet classes in the Department of Dance during the week following the event. Geber will also be working with the University of Oregon Repertory Dance Company.
Associate dance Professor Walter Kennedy said Geber and Handman are “very exciting, wonderful dancers.”
“The show will have an intimate feel,” he said. “It will be right to the moment, with cutting edge choreography.”
“Palpate: An Evening of Dance and Film,” will begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. The Dougherty Dance Theatre is located on the third floor of the Gerlinger Annex. Tickets will be for sale at the door starting at 7 p.m. and cost $10 for general admission and $5 for students.