Noel Night and More!

Dancers About Town

Look around Downtown Detroit this week, and you're likely to see one of our dancers. We'll be performing at the 22nd Annual Governor's Awards for Arts and Culture on Thursday, November 29. You'll recognize us by the improvisational dancing and costumes.

Noel Night will feature DanceAfrica Detroit, performed in the Maggie Allesee Studio Theatre. CompanyOne members will bring loads of energy to your holiday season. Two shows, 7 and 8 pm, $5 general admission.

We'll also be at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, performing a contemporary ballet by Megan Brunke. What a week!

Thanks to Maggie Allesee, who not only led in helping us produce and host Meg Paul as she set Twyla Tharp's Torelli, but also took pictures to share!

Busy Weeks

Meg Paul Sets Torelli
What do you get when a world-class dancer and teacher sets a world-class piece? Sore and satisfied dancers. Meg Paul, former Twyla Tharp dancer and director of dance at the Music Hall in Detroit, has been working with dance majors for an intense period of learning and rehearsing Tharp's pioneering perspective on traditional dance vocabulary. All of the balance and flexibility from years of technical training are challenged by tilts, shakes, and twists, as these dancers prepare to perform this piece. There will be an informal performance Tuesday, November 20, at 12:30 p.m. in the Maggie Allesee Studio Dance Theatre (3rd floor, Old Main), where viewers will get a chance to see the process and a sneak preview. The piece will premiere in March 2008 at the Bonstelle Theatre.

Faculty Travel
Jeff Rebudal has just returned from Hawaii, where he set Phillipinese on dancers at the University of Hawaii. Eva Powers has been at a workshop/conference for Stott Pilates learning about injury prevention and rehabilitation. Ray Robinson has been at the American Council on Education workshop for Department Chairs.

Fall Concert Success!

Our first annual Fall Bonstelle Concert was a success in many ways. Who would have thought letting an audience in on the secrets of choreography and art-making would be so appealing? Dances in the Making: An Evening of Works in Progress featured audio, video, and live presentations illuminating the choreographic process. Here is what people have said:

"...the collaboration [with Art] provided an added dimension to the evening."

"You have a lot to be proud of in both your dancers and choreographer..."

"...we are spreading the word to our friends to come down to Wayne for some terrific dance programs."

It takes a department or two or three to make a concert--congratulations and thanks to all who participated.