6
Friday, February 11, 1977
University Daily Kansan
Arts & Leisure
Staff photo by MIKE CAMPBELL
Ballet blues
Cynthia Hale, Topea junior, contemplates another stab at
bait with a broken ankle. Despite her cast and crushes, Hale
has continued to attend the ballet class and is able to do many of the exercises.
The trend is toward younger and better ballet performers. The Joffrey II Company is a part of that trend as a bundle of fresh, stimulating and creative young talent.
By SHERI BALDWIN
Entertainment Editor
Joffrey II, the touring and training company of the New York University, has been called the best small classical ballet in the country by many. But its members are more specialized and averaged 18 years of age.
SUCH youthfulness was hard to detect last night as Joffrey charmed a small but enthusiastic crowd in Hochfeld and routinely in spirit, the company performed like adults.
But with adulthood comes maturity, and the company has little time to find that on a road trip. The company is beautiful - clean and crisp with good extension. And the dancers have obviously adapted to making the best of any stage environment. What is lacking is dramatics.
Some, not all, of the dancers were concentrating so carefully on technique that all sense of audience contact seemed lost. Pull the few, perhaps new, dancers into the "play to the beat" stage and be ready would be ready to perform for the most critical of audiences.
JUST AFTER the program was announced from the repertory list, a last minute tradition of the company,
The wait wasn't a long one, however, and the audience was startled. "I had to try a variety of dance," he being boped that those who expected ballet to be merely tutus and girls playing about weren't disappearing.
technical difficulties stranded two posed dancers as they waited for music.
The "Scherzo," was a quick moving dance that matched the melody of the tempo and attitude. Abstract movements such as flat, unpointed footwork and flicks of the head were also used in additional classical movements.
ONE SMOOTH lyrical piece in both music and dance, "Continuo" no pauses. Lots of point work, filmlight blue costumes and, now flowing, a beded ensemble highlighted the舞语's mood.
"The Gift to Be Simple" was one of the most entertaining dances in the program. Based on a book by Robert A. The Shakers, an 18th century communal and ceilidant religious group, the eight-part dance conveyed mores of the Shakers's daily lives, work and beliefs.
ABRUPT clocklike movements in the first part reflected rigidly structured patterns the Shakers lived by.
Lisa Leada, originally from Salina and one of the newest in the company, was exceptional in a solo dance where a young maiden silently rebels against the Shaker teachings.
In the eighth part, the entire company parodies the reason the Shakers were called so. To counter this, they shake their body violently. When the elder is out of sight, however, the shaking stops. The comedy is heightened when the elders demand the demands the shaking resume.
"TZIGANE," or gypsy in Hungarian, was the program's best example of classical dance. A pas de deux, "Tzigane" even provided traditional black-and-white dances, as do velvet waltcost costuming.
ACCORDING to director Sally Brayley Bliss, the young company is often plagued with injuries because the program's issues are as varied. Its problem shared by most companies.
In "Sedalia," saloon girls, their male customers, orchestrated ragtime and a lighthearted burlesque atmosphere combined to create revue-style entertainment. The dancers, tumbling and bumbling in gingham banders and garter straps, had most of the audience laughing at their antics.
To compensate, Bliss said training has become better and the dancers learn how to handle their injuries so they can still land from leaps without a sound. Rugged, cowboy-laced, theancers are also chosen more often for their endurance, she said.
Three-fourths of the New York Joffrey is Joffrey II stock.
No wonder Joffrey has such a wonderful reputation. With a turnover of not much longer than two years and the grueling schedule Joffrey II endures, a simple time to achieve perfection.
Dance dates
Judging from last night's performance, this 11-member season of Joffrey II is already well-deserved promotions.
Dance events tonight include a free Kansas City Civlet Ball concert at 7:30 at Kansas City Kansas Community College, and the laffey II Company at its Hopka Municipal Auditorium.
Other spring events include:
March 3- University Dance Club lecture demonstration to show what differences still remain between classical,
modern and jazz dances.
March 2. 3 and 4-Chiff Keuter Dance Company, Baker University, Baldwin
City, Kan.
March 4 and 3—Pennsylvania Ballet,
Music Hall, Kansas City, Mo.
 March 7—Vlenna Philarmonica
MARRIT
Vienna Corona de Ballet, an all-Strauss
program, KTWU public television.
— h 9 — Boston Flamenco Ballet.
program, KTVU public television.
 March 9- Bosehann Palmetto Ballerie,
 Kansas City, Mo.
 March 23- Dance Theater of Harlem
Judge theater of Harlem.
KTWU.
March 28-April 3-Kansas City Civic
ballet, featuring guest artists, Lyric Theater, Kansas City, Mo April 6-Cliff Kuster Dance Company, University of Kansas
**Theater.**
Agril 6–Cliff Kueller Dance Company
University of Kansas.
August 13—Tayla Tharp and dancers, both
with choreographer, a Dance Actor.
Athletes, troupe entering ballet act
In America segment of the Grew
Performances series, KTWU.
Mid-April - Premier of Topeka Ballet
Company, Topeka.
april 27- *Photohousus dance* dekeren & other groups perform in "New Directions in Dance", a dance in America segment of the Great Perf.
April 30- Dance Theater of Kansas from Wichita, Topeka.
"If you put basketball players in shoes and leotards, they're doing the same things we're doing in modern dance while they're on the court," DiAme Darno, assistant professor of dance, said yesterday.
Balletteamens take heart. Not only is ballet becoming more popular--football players are now enrolling—but areas per capita are changing in Topeka and Kansas City ballet.
Damro said many athletes were encouraged to sign up for ballet and modern dance, as were theater and music therapy teachers. He also said of movement in what they do, she said.
The image that dance is feminine seems to be slowly dissolving. Darna said the ratio of men to women in KU classes has improved from 1-15 to 1-7.
1. just think dance is on the move," she said. "There's an increase in interest, new classes and more students than ever before."
increasing number of movements from modern, jazz and even ethnic dance. Classical ballet is still easier recognized by its fixed poses and steps, but now there is neoclassical ballet, ballet combined with untraditional steps. And even modern and
KU has two dance companies. Tau Sigma performs ballet, modern, jazz and mime dance, and is open to any student. The University Dance Company is open by audition only and members receive credit. Tau Sigma offers ballet, modern and jazz dance and has about 10 members. Tau Sigma has about 40 members.
In addition to KU courses, Free University offers beginning and intermediate ballet and Hashinger Hall teaches modern dance.
jazz dance has grown so close that a line of definition is difficult.
Topeka now has a new ballet company and the Kansas City Civic Ballet has gone professional, two moves that may schedule more ballet in the area.
Auditions for the Topena Ballet Company were last Sunday. About 28 dancers will perform at the annual Winter Gala.
temporary, modern, ethnic, jazz and character dances.
Director Tom Steinhoff has directed both Jacksonville's Florida Dance Theater and the touring band in 2015, including tours and lecture demonstrations in addition to spring, fall and winter concerts. A complete performance of Prokofiev's *Orchestral* *derella* is scheduled at Christmas time.
Dance: an assorted mix
Cultural detours in dance available in Lawrence range from the ordinary (tap, ballroom and square dance) to the unusual (dance of the 1950s). The dancing is an assortment. The following is an assortment.
Despite the obvious popularity of the current disco dancewear and the variety of dance styles it offers, many people are treating themselves to a wide spectrum of dance techniques far-removed from the disco doldrums.
BALLROOM—An alternative to contemporary hooding with a more conventional style, ballroom dancing offers a unique experience and intricate challenge over disco dancing.
Kathy Riordan, assistant instructor in
physical education, attributed ballroom's sudden popularity in part to rhythms now provided by musicians such as the Beach Boys and Bette Midler.
Big band or swing style music lends itself to dances such as the ffortro, Big Apple, jitterbug, Charleston, blackbottom, soft shoe, polka and waltz. Rirdman said that she is in her classes prefer the dancing because it is more indicate and takes more thought.
The "swing" element of ballroom dancing can be sampled at 7:30 tonight in the Kansas Union Ballroom. Big band dances of the 20s and 30s will feature the 11:30 Jazz Band beats playing at 9.
MIME AND IMPROVISATION—
Weekend
Highlights
Theater
"OLD TIMES," 8 tonight and tomorrow, William Inge Theatre.
"RAIISIN," the musical version of "A Raisin in the Sun." 8 tonight through Sunday. Ck theater, Kansas City, Mo.
Concerts
The 11:30 JAZZ BAND, 9 to midnight tonight. Kansas Union Ballroom.
THE EASTMAN QUARTET,
piano and strings as part of the
Chamber Music Series, 3:30
University Theater.
Recitals
INFORMAL RECITALS by students and faculty of the School of Fine Arts at alno Stroll through Mar. 4. Strong Hall lobby
J. J. CALE, 8 tonight,
Memorial Hall, Kansas City,
Kan
LINDA JOHNSON
SHANKEL, soprano, 8 tonight,
Swarthout Recital Hall.
Nightclubs
The JERRY WOOD GROUP plays from 9 to 12 midnight tonight and tomorrow night at Off the Wall, HU.
The JOE UTERBACK TRIOM
plays from 9 to midnight tonight
at Paul Gray's Jazz Place.
THE TOMMY JOHNSON EX-
ERMENT plays from 9 p.m. to
midnight Saturday at Paul Gray
Kansas City dance-rock band, plays from 9 to midnight tonight at the Opera House.
The JOHN ROLLER BAND,
Films
THE NAIROBI TRIAL, a local jazz band that plays contemporary jazz, plays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 17th Spirit.
ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE-Ellen Burstyn won an Oscar for her portrayal as a struggling singer in this comedy drama. Directed by Travis Driver (PGI)
A STAR IS BORN - A Barbela Streisand - Kris Krissofferson clash. A terrible reviews, a terrifying 977/1071 Golden Globe awards. (R)
FREAKY FRIDAY—Walt Disney switches the mentalities and personalities of a teenager and her mother, each becoming
ROCKY—Passionate tale of struggle, suffering and fortune. Syvester Stallion is a true knight in one of the year's best books (BPG)
THE SENTINEL—Horror galore with a star-studded cast. (R)
SHAGGY D.A.—This district attorney really is a dog—Walt Disney style. (G)
Leetures
"GYOKUDO, AN 18TH CENTURY LITERATI PAINTER AND MUSICIAN," by Stephen Addis, of the painter and member of the folk group "Addis and Croft." Addis is lecturing on Asian art history and music while on a break at a museum. This afternoon, Spooner Thayer, Art Museum lecture hall.
MICHAEL JOHNSON, poet.
SUA Contemporary Writer and
Poets Series, 4 p.m. today,
Union's Parter A.
Exhibits
Barbara Hawkins, photography.
SPENCER RESEARCH LIBRARY "Earth, Air, Fire, Water" Main Gallery; "Kansas Peretals: The Land Through its People"; "Kansas Collection; the Book design North Gallery."
LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER-Graduate exhibition displays Richard Bird paintings and Anita Kapau ceramics.
7E7—Beginning Saturday,
Nick Vaccaro, boxed assemblages,
and Luella Vaccaro, pot assemblages.
Books
LAWRENCE PUBLIC
AWRENCE
ham, paintings; Wit Orvaled,
wooden works; Bynea Snegas,
powder and silver works; Milford
Dickerson
THE KEYS OF HELL, by
Jack Higgins (Gold Medal,
1962). He's hot names in today's suspense fiction. It takes place in
Albania, where the hero is
trying to be a beautiful girl in
Africa.
**SMOKY VALLEY**, by Donald Hamilton (Gold Medal, $1.50)—western in the yellow book and his Books. The hero is named Parrish, and he's more like a 20th century heroin in 19th century setting. A
HARRY'S GAME, by Gerald Seymour (Crest, $1.95) - A thriller in which the hero is a British intelligence officer, recruited from Berlin to find an IRA man who has assassinated Harry's brother and services Harry's IRA, to infiltrate the IRA's setting: Belfast.
Narrative body movement, either planned or spur of the moment, is offered both through University courses and at the Movement Center Workshop, resident dance and mime company of the Lawrence Arts Center.
Usually, simple games, rhythmic activities and imagination exercises are part of gymnastics.
BELLY—Both exercise and a reducing method, belly dancing is a means to relieve everyday tension, according to the instructor, president of the KU Belly Dancing Club.
Styles of belly dancing range from Hawaiian hula dancing to Tahitan, Greek and Egyptian styles, she says. She also teaches courses of animals important to different cultures, as in a camel walk, or butterfly and swan arms. Belly dancing club members range in age
Belly dancing club members range in age from six to 55 years.
The dance was created as a means to unite people from differing cultures and religions. Languages used in chants with Sufi dancing include English, Islam, Hindu and Japanese. Classes are offered through the Free University.
SUFI—Suft dancing's formal title is the dance of universal peace. Baccalaic folk dance with a religious flavor, Suft dancing has its roots in ancient Rome and is as simple as circling to the left or right.
**FOLK--Most of the folk dances done in the area are ones from the Balkans in Eastern Europe, according to Martha Miauer, Eagle, Ore., senior and a KUK Dance Club member. Scandinavian, Israeli, Austrian and Russian dances are also done.**
**SQUARE - Good owl** fashioned hoedowns are still in the area on a regular basis. Square dancers usually join one of three groups—the Barn Dancers, Merry Mixers or Twirling Teams—and come to dances in additional hoop skirts and string bow ties.
Mater offers a Free University class on just Israeli folk dances since the founding of
Eugene Westerhouse, former president of the Merry Mixers, said that fellowship and good clean fun were main tenets of his club's philosophy. Neither liquor nor instructors are allowed at the clubs dances. Experienced dancers teach the novices.
TAP AND JAZZ- The shoes make tap dancing what it is, along with quick feet, of course. Jazz dancing is a form of tap without the shoes. Movements are primitive, yet stylized, in cha-cha and shuffle steps and the step-ball-charge.
In addition to private lessons, tap and jazz are offered in courses at Hastingsher and Inventry colleges.
Beginners' ballet class a chaotic war on grace
Staff Writer
BvGREGGHEJNA
A half-dozen little girls sat on a carpet in the center of the small studio. They were dressed in leotards they'll grow into as adults and tappers they'll grow out of before too long.
In front of them sat Becky Johnson, assistant director of the University Dance Company and the girl's instructor in this class. Ms. Bray was a faculty member of School of Ballet, 942 Massachusetts St.
Stretch and point. Stretch and point.
As Johnson began the lesson with a series of warm-up exercises, the girls glanced nervously at each other. There were giggles as they tried their best to imitate their teacher and, when that failed, the person next to them.
Holding the attention span of this group ... six to eight year olds was not an easy task.
What had begun as a carefully disciplined exercise quickly degenerated into a chaotic mass of arms and legs on the exercise mat. Other exercises produced much the same result, but it was easier left for right. There were more than a few collisions but fortunately, no one was hurt.
Several times Johnson had to repeat instructions to an aspiring ballerina who had been failing in ballet.
With one eye on the teacher and the other on her reflection in the mirror, each student stretched her awkward, lanky frame, trying to mimic Johnson's every move. The results were no more graceful than the exercises had been.
Graceful music from a record player in the corner and the jerky movements of the young dancers produced a startling, yet humorous contrast.
Back, open, front. Back, open, front.
Back, back, front. Back, open, front.
The girls repeated their movements countless times, usually out of sync with their teacher.
Learning how to twirl on one leg produced interesting results. After one or two twirls, the young ballerinas became dizzier and dizzier with each successive twirl.
As they completed their last twirl, they stumbled back to the group.
Regaining their balance, they slipped into an adjoining room to gather up coats, shoes and sweaters and to wait for their mothers to return to pick them up.
Maybe next week they'll learn that twirl.