For the University of Oregon dance department, 2012 marks a century of dance curriculum. Dance has been offered at the University since 1912 and has been a staple of the school’s artistic expression throughout the past century.
This past weekend, the dance department and the UO Repertory Dance Company celebrated the centennial anniversary with a two-night performance of contemporary modern dance. This year’s concert focused on music and its importance to the art of dance. Current music director Christian Cherry welcomed back two former directors, Bruno Madrid and Jeffrey Stolet. As a tribute to their extensive contributions to the program, the three directors came together to design an array of music for the weekend’s performances. @@http://music.uoregon.edu/events/index.htm@@
“It’s nice to be part of the three music directors that have been involved with this program,” Cherry said. “Music is a very important part of this community; it’s an honor for me to be a part of it.”
The shows featured the University of Oregon Repertory Dance Company and the work that University dance majors have accomplished. The UORDC is a traveling group of dancers that will be showcasing their performances throughout the state. This weekend was the group’s “at home” concert and marks the beginning of their touring throughout this term.
Alongside the dance majors, faculty members Brad Garner, Rita Honka, Walter Kennedy and Shannon Mockli presented an imaginative body of work indicative of their commitment to advancing the study of dance at the University. @@https://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=MWR0dGFjdGJob3U4bm5uZDI0MWgwNnJtaGtfMjAxMjA0MjJUMDMwMDAwWiBpa2MwdGl0aDdsZ244MGJzdGcxam9jMWVjY0Bn&ctz=America/Los_Angeles&gsessionid=OK@@
“We, as a faculty, are constantly asking each other how we might rethink our curriculum to meet the needs of our students,” Garner said. “Because of this, from my perspective, UO dance feels very fresh and current. That century has not been a time to collect dust.”
The University Department of Dance is committed to the development of creative imagination and intellectual curiosity. “I find it very inspiring that a program with that incredible of a legacy is still committed to evolving with the current trends in the field of dance,” continued Garner. “The staggering number of exceptional performances and concerts that the department showcases is a testament to that commitment.”
“It is an absolute privilege to be here for the 100-year anniversary of such a respectable and impactful school of dance,” said University sophomore Marika Theofelis of the centennial achievement. “Every day, this program creates art that is truly inspiring, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.” @@http://www.uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Marika*Theofelis@@
The dance program is a tightly knit community with respect for the art they create. The program is unique, ambitious and exemplary of its members’ contributions. Most of all, though, the community is passionate and inclusive.
“Dance has been an important part of the academic community and the greater Eugene community for a long time, and that’s saying something because dance is not generally part of the American cultural fabric,” Cherry said.
Regardless of American cultural norms, the University Dance Department has developed a focused and respected curriculum. Cherry continued, “There is a commitment to making art and making dance a part of everyday life as an expression.”