lifestyles
A Christmas Story
The University Dance Company is illustrating their version of a Christmas story from the Bible to celebrate the holidays and the miracles and struggles of childbirth. Story by Casey Barnes Photos By Meghan Dougherty
**Top:** Victoria Budt, Overland Park freshman, left, and Alison Mura, Overland Park senior, prepare for the University Dance Company's holiday concerts at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre. **Above:** Maureen Dubois, Overland Park senior, and Kent O'Connor, Topea sophomore, practice the dance "Polka-ing Around."
Stone, after studying Annunciation paintings for many years, has choreographed a dance that reveals Mary's reactions to the Angel's message. Mary, the Angel and a chorus of two develop their roles to Cajun music, which has its roots in Old French dances and songs.
"Very few people are familiar with the whole notion of the Annunciation, which really gives an odd slant to Christmas," Stone said. "If you think only of the birth and not of the mother, it is quite weird."
The dance examines the four reactions that Mary went through when she was given the message that she would bear a child: trouble, reflection, inquiry and submission
"The idea of giving birth has different reactions from different women," she said. "It is a mixed blessing, and it was a mixed blessing for Mary, too."
Cajun Annunciation is one of two holiday-oriented dances in the dance company's first major performance of the year.
The image of the Angel Gabriel telling the Virgin Mary that she will bear God's child represents much of the story of Christmas.
She said that "Cajun Annunciation" is an ancient story that has contemporary value in dealing with a woman's decision to bear a child.
But to Joan Stone, it is also a story that today's women can relate to their lives.
Stone, instructor in dance, choreographed "Cajun Annunciation," one of seven pieces that will be performed in the holiday performance of the University Dance Company at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.
The other is "The Night Before the Night Before...," a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what happens on the night before Christmas Eve in Santa's toy shop.
African and traditional East Indian music will alternate with the holiday pieces.
Casey McNair, Lincoln, Neb., senior, has been in the dance company for four years and likes the variety of choreography that the holiday performance offers.
McNair is in three of the dances, including, "The Night Before the Night Before..." and said that some of the dances were easily interpreted by the audience, but some of the themes were more difficult to understand.
"Some tell a story through movement and are more animated, and some don't even have story lines," McNair said.
But Stone wants to express to KU students that even the complicated themes are interesting to watch.
"So many students don't take advantage of seeing dance," Stone said. "They have to realize that they don't need to worry about not understanding everything. It would be a treat if they would allow themselves to see something different."
Budt, left, O'Connor, Casey McNair, Lincoln, Neb., senior; Christy Drake, Overland park, freshman; and Dubois perform the finale of the dance "Polka-Ing-Around." Performances are Friday and Saturday at Crafton-Preyer Theatre.
espers
The annual concert is adding songs from different cultures in an attempt to spread good will toward all men and women. This year's singers will "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and sing "Songs for Hanukkah," along with wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
By Casey Barnes Kansan staff writer
KU's Holiday Vespers will be taking on an international flavor this year.
The 70th annual concert, which will be performed at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Lied Center, will include seasonal pieces from Jewish, African American and many other cultures from around the world. Tickets are $6 for the public and $3 for students and senior citizens. The concert has focused on Christian-oriented pieces in
The concert has focused on Christian-oriented pieces in the past. But this year it will represent a variety of cultures, said Steve Anderson, chairman of the KU department of music and dance, which presents the concert.
This year that will all change.
"It will be a different, more inclusive atmosphere," Anderson said. "Our hope is that it will foster growth and understanding among all people."
The traditional concert that has attracted a large audience for many years became more secular when it was moved to Allen Field House in 1991, Anderson said. But it was still not representative of other cultures.
"One concert can't do all things for all people," Anderson said. "But it is a delightful time of the year for all cultures, and this is an international enterprise of people coming together for a common experience."
But avid Vesper fans should not be concerned that the traditional sounds of the holiday program will be left out.
lobby of the Heer Center by another. Other works on the program include the premiere performance of "Songs for Hanukkah," a medley of traditional Israeli pieces that will feature the Chamber and Concert Choirs. University Singers, one of KU's jazz groups, will perform "Go Tell It on the Mountain."
The concert will also be broadcast live on KANU 91.5 FM and a taped recording of the concert will be broadcast throughout the nation during the holiday season, said Brian Priestman, conductor of the KU Symphony Orchestra.
Twenty radio stations across the nation have already expressed interest in the tapes, he said.
"Vespers is a real tradition for people of eastern Kansas and across the Missouri line," Priestman said. "It is a very well-known thing."
Priestman said people had already called the music department, upset with departure from an all-Christian program. But he is not worried or surprised about the complaints.
"Things change and we must realize that there are other people with other traditions," he said.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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SXSW (South by Southwest) Showcase, 10 p.m. Monday, cover charge
Cromags with Slackjaw, 6 p.m. Monday, cover charge
Bluesheed Beggars with Holy Mecca Voodoo,
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"Feel the Vibe," 9:30 tonight, $4 (21 and over), $5 (under 21).
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"Feel the Vibe," 9:30 p.m. Thursday, $4-5