Reviews, etc.
Section B • Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
021-634-8261
Thursday, January 18, 2001
The Trinity Irish Dance Company will step into the Lied Center at 8 p.m. Saturday for a demonstration of their unique Irish dance. Contributed Photo
Trinity breaks mold of Irish dance
By Matt Merkel-Hess
japlay@kanan.com
japlay writer
Before Riverdance, Lord of the Dance or the recent commercial featuring the spoof "Hudson Riverdance," there was Trinity.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company, the group that laid the foundation for the Irish dance phenomenon, will stop its way onto the Lied Center stage this Saturday with its rhythmic, high energy style of dance. Founded in Chicago in 1990 by Irish-American Mark Howard, Trinity broke out of a tradition that previously relegated Irish dance to competitions and folk festivals.
Howard, a champion dancer himself, formed the company to provide professional career opportunities to Irish dancers and expand the boundaries of the style. His company has stayed closer to the roots of the traditional dance, shunning the commercialization and glitz of
other,more famous Irish dance productions.
Trinity shows include dances with the rigid torso posture that defines the traditional style and more dramatic pieces with upper body movements and storylines. Either way, quick, precise footwork will be the driving force.
"There's a strong connection between the rhythm and the dancers," said Jeff Potter, Great Bend sophomore. "I think Irish is really rich in rhythm, just like tap."
Potter danced as a child but quit in seventh grade, and it wasn't until he saw performances of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance that he took up dancing again. He's now a dance major and takes private lessons in Irish dance.
"I'm excited to see how different it is from Lord of the Dance," he said.
Michelle Whiteley, an Omaha, Neb., junior, also compared Irish dance to tap.
"It's very entertaining because of
the rhythm," she said. "It's kind of like going to a music concert but you get visual stuff, too."
In addition to the evening performance, members of the Trinity Dance Company will give a master class Saturday afternoon. Cassandra Howard, Lied Center education director, said the class was open to any skill level.
"For many people in the community, this will be an opportunity to learn more about Irish step dancing," she said.
The longer, dramatic pieces that made Trinity and other productions famous have been present in competition dancing for years, said Jean Denney, member of the Kansas Arts Commission and former professional in modern and Irish dance.
Although Mark Howard did not invent the genre as she said he claimed, his productions are tightly rehearsed.
"It's an extremely well-rehearsed
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Sat., Jan. 20
9am
Lied Center Box Office opens two hours before the show. 864-2787
Master Class:
with Katie Wright, rehearsal director for Trinity
Sat., Jan. 20
2:30-4 p.m.
Lawrence Arts Center Dance
Annex. 205.1/2 W. 9th St.
$8 per person and is limited to 40 people
For information, call the Lawrence Arts Center at 843-2787
company." she said. "You're going to see some pretty incredible group dancing."
— Edited by Melinda Weaver
Actors Geoffrey Rush (right) and Kate Winslet star in *Quilts*, a film about the life of the Marquis de Sade. Contributed Photo
Quills offers erotic look into life of Frenchman
By Clare McLellan
By Clare McCellan
joyplay@kansan.com
Jayplay reviewer
It's no surprise that a movie about the so-called "father of sadism," a movie full of sexual innuendoes, explicit sex scenes and violence is currently restricted to art house distribution.
It should not, however, limit the attention and praise the film *Quilts* deserves. It boldly pushes boundaries in its exploration of a highly intriguing historical figure, the Maroude de Sade.
Donation Alphonse François de Sade was born in Paris in 1740. Imprisoned for his raunchy writings, he did time at the Bastille in Paris before being transferred to an insane asylum just prior to the French Revolution, which began in 1789. The film focuses on his time at this Catholic-run asylum, which did nothing to exorcise the "demons" that raged inside the Marquis' (Geoffrey Rush) mind. It perhaps added fuel to their fire. The Marquis found any way possible to deliver his seedy stories to the public.
In doing so, the Marquis "befriends" a chambermaid, Madeleine (Kate Winslet), to sneak his work out beyond the asylum walls. When The Abde de Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix), who runs the asylum, is informed of the Marquis' underhandness, he tries many methods to curtail the Marquis' bad behavior. Enter Dr. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine), a doctor who specializes in all sorts of human torture to rehabilitate deviants. Of course, Collard turns out to be quite the sleazy character, who preaches social justice but
Quills
Rating: R for strong sexual content including dialogue, violence and language.
Running time: 123 minutes (2 hours and 3 minutes)
Now showing at: The Tivoli Theater in Westport, 425 Wesport Road, Kansas City, Mo.
who practices behavior not so far removed from the naughtiness that drips from the Marquis' quill.
The Abbe, conversely, is a truly good hearted man of God, who still struggles with his vow of chastity as the lovely Madeleine takes particular interest in him. The Marquis' front of a twisted nymphomaniac is slowly incinerated by his hidden feelings for Madeleine as well. Madeleine, who appears to be a fairly lustful girl, turns out to be the most innocent of them all.
Rush (Shine, Shakespeare in Love) proves, yet again, that he is one of Hollywood's finest. His humor, his sorrow and his depravity are all executed with the same precision and purity.
Winslet, who garnered huge fame in *Titanic*, proves the depth of her ability in more obscure roles such as this and other smaller screen films such as *Hideous Kinky*.
Although the film may not be completely historically accurate, director Philip Kaufman tackled new territory with this film, and has done so in fine form. Quilis is an extremely well-crafted piece of cinema. Bottom line: Not simply for an art house crowd.
Edited by Jason McKee
Practical tips:
Do not tell yourself that you can't eat certain foods.
Make a goal to eat six servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This plan will fill you up with foods that are more nutritious.
For weight loss and better health, a cheap solution is drinking at least eight Bounce glasses of water a day. The extra fluid will keep you from snacking when you are not hungry, and the water will keep you hydrated and healthy.
If you find it easy to blame Mrs. E's for your eating habits, remember that you do have control over what you choose for snacks between meals. Keep it light and nutritious with an apple or some baby carrots and then eat meals in moderation.
- Keep yourself exercising despite the climate, find a friend with similar fitness goals and make regular appointments to work out together. This provides not only companionship, but accountability.
Don't forget about Robinson. When the weather frustrates your exercise plans, get your heart rate up indoors.
[Source: Healing Foods: Nutrition for the Mind, Body and Spirit by Michael VanStraten; published by Welcome Rain, New York]
Dave Anderson, St. Louis junior, works out after making his New Year's resolution. He was spotted by Doug Pierson, Lawrence junior, Tuesday night at Robinson gym. Photo by Micah Kiball/KANSAN
Resolutions often tough to keep
Bv Abigail Swift
Students fed up with making New Year's resolutions they can't keep have led some to write off the process altogether.
jayplay@kansan.com
"I don't make New Year's resolutions," said Daniica Frialt, Salt Lake City freshman. "I figured that out when I was five."
Jayplay writer
However, others value the opportunity for self-improvement, deciding to be less judgmental or not to eat any ice cream in 2001.
jaynley@kansan.com
The majority of students' goals involve food and fitness, said Jen Burns, Overland Park graduate student, and she was not exempt from this classification.
Thousands of Americans who made fitness-related resolutions at the turn of the millennium might find those glorious goals in critical condition, if not already dead and buried. Winter weather, holiday leftovers and procrastination are daunting foes on the quest for fitness.
"I'm actually going to attend KU Fit this semester," Burns said.
To revive the dedication when many ill-fated resolutions never see February, students should make them goals, not resolutions.
For example, if a student decides not to eat any fried foods in 2001, then one french fry and the game's over.
Ann Chapman, registered dietitian at Watkins Memorial Health Center, recommends gradually making those lifestyle changes.
For more about students' New Year's recollections, see tomorrow's feature page.
"Many students set too ambitious of a goal," she said. "It really sets them up to fail. Set small attainable goals and build on those."
Structure can keep those longterm goals in sight, but it is also important to incorporate regular evaluation. Monthly or weekly self-evaluations will keep it honest, providing maximum satisfaction in the long run.
— Edited by Jason McKee
Gear for winter wear
By Susie Schinker
japlay@kansan.com
japlay writer
Students walking around campus the next couple of weeks might be wearing the new clothes they received during holiday break.
With the National Weather Service predicting a continuously cold winter, students might have to accessorize with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. And they can do it in style.
One of the new things for women this winter is the long-belted cardigans.
"Ilike to wear mine out as a coat because it keeps me warm, and it is still stylish," Rachel Riekes, Omaha, Neb., sophomore, said.
No matter what style students prefer, winter gear can be found in just about every color and material.
Kris Graves, Backwoods assistant manager, said prices reflected quality and that items for skiing and backpacking were more expensive because they lasted longer.
Stores such as The Gap, 647 Massachusetts St., offer students dressier items while stores such as Backwoods, 916 Massachusetts St., offer more functional gear.
— Edited by Jacob Roddy
Fashion suggestions:
■ Everyone should have a winter coat, of course, and a couple of accessories to go along with it like a hat or headband, a scarf and a pair of gloves. These accessories will help keep you warm through the chilly winter months.
- Pick the things you like and ensure they express your personality.
■ The key to being fashionable is to keep it simple and match your accessories to your coat. You don't want to wear a pink stocking hat, green gloves, a purple scarf and a blue coat. You need to focus on two or three colors, your coat being one color and your accessories being the other. For instance, let's say you have a gray coat. You might want to try matching it with light blue or off-white accessories. It basically comes down to what you prefer and what looks the best on you.
If you keep these tips in mind, they will help you stay warm and fashionable for the remainder of the winter. Just remember to make sure you know why you are buying your outerwear.
Rachel Riekes, Omaha,
Neb., sophomore, wears
a wool peel coat with
heather gloves and hat.
while Lisa Schlackman,
New Orleans, La., sophomore, wears a black ladder-stitched cardigan with hood. There are many fashionable ways to bundle up this winter.
Photo by Selena
Ithara/KANSAN