KU to present dance concert Nov. 21 and 22 at Lied Center

LAWRENCE -- With the help of a prestigious grant, the University of Kansas will present the University Dance Company fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 at the Lied Center of Kansas.

The dance division will perform "Missa Brevis," originally choreographed by modern dance choreographer and artist José Limón, as well as creative works by KU dance faculty.

The performance of "Missa Brevis" was made possible by a National College Choreography Initiative grant. KU won one of 35 awards recommended by a national panel of artists, college faculty and dance presenters to universities in 35 cities and 28 states across the country to aid new works and reconstructions in modern dance, ballet, tap, swing, and jazz and Latin dance. The initiative, launched by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2000, unites professional dance artists with college students and brings works to the community.

By securing the grant, and with additional support from the KU School of Fine Arts, the dance department was able to have Sarah Stackhouse in residence at the university, during which time she restaged "Missa Brevis" with 25 dancers from KU and Lawrence. Stackhouse, a former principal dancer with the Limón Company and an assistant to Limón, has restaged his works all over the world and written extensively on his choreography.

Acclaimed international performer and dance faculty member Patrick Suzeau will perform the solo role in "Missa Brevis," originally danced by Limón. KU choral director and Kodaly specialist John Paul Johnson will conduct the KU Chamber Singers and an organist, providing live accompaniment.

The dance concert also will feature dynamic and spirited pieces by KU dance faculty, including Jerel Hilding, associate professor of dance and director of the dance division, and dance instructor Willie Lenoir.

Admission is $7 general, $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS; Murphy Hall, (785) 864-3982; and SUA, (785) 864-3477. For more information, please contact the Department of Music and Dance, (785) 864-3436.