Contact: Vickie Hamilton-Smith, School of Fine Arts, (785) 864-3421.
LAWRENCE - University of Kansas dance student Christine Colby-Jacques has a connection to the Broadway hit "Fosse" that surpasses her role in the show's national tour - the former Rockette studied under late choreographer Bob Fosse himself more than 20 years ago.
Now Colby-Jacques, who is on leave from her studies at KU to perform with the musical's national touring company, is returning to the area for shows Aug. 22 to 27 at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. She also will teach master dance classes in Lawrence and Kansas City during her stay.
"I saw Christine perform in 'Fosse' in Chicago; she's featured in several numbers and she's terrific," says Janet Hamburg, KU dance professor.
"Christine is an intelligent and talented dance student," Hamburg says, pointing to Colby-Jacques' receipt of the Joan and Bernie Levine Dance Scholarship. "Her professional experience makes her a wonderful role model for the other students."
Colby-Jacques uses that experience as a teacher as well as a student. In fact, it was the master classes she's taught throughout her professional career that led her to KU.
"One of the things that drove me to return to school was a desire to learn more about the history of dance and to share my knowledge and experiences," says Colby-Jacques, who hopes to teach at a university after finishing her degree. Colby-Jacques will teach two master classes in the area next week, working with the Kansas City Ballet Monday, Aug. 21, and with
KU dance students at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in 240 Robinson Center. KU and area advanced ballet students also will have a chance to take a master class with Kansas City Ballet guest choreographer Shelley Freydont at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, in 242 Robinson.
"The master classes are part of an ongoing effort to expose KU dance students to the best talent available," says Joan Stone, KU dance director. "We also continually strive to make connections with the Kansas City dance community." For more information on the classes, contact Jane Live at 864-4264.