Students perform at American College Dance Festival conference
Released: March 28, 2008
For the past eight years, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's dance program has had pieces chosen for the Gala Concert at the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA) conference six times. This year did not disappoint as two pieces were selected for the Gala Concert at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Senior Katie Colombo's piece, "Sozzled Soire," and UW-Whitewater Dance Coordinator Robin Pettersen's piece, "la communita," were both performed in the Gala Concert.
"Sozzled Soiree," is a wild caper about people veering out of control, accompanied not by music but by sounds from the dancers. "Our experience at the concert was extremely positive. It was very satisfying to know that all of our hard work really paid off," Colombo said.
Adjudicator Igal Perry said he loved Colombo's piece. "It was entertaining and witty with surprising elements," he said.
Sophomore Stephanie Heine's piece, "Nebulae," was selected for one of the informal concerts. Set to music of Vivaldi, "Nebulae" is described as a tightly formed amoeba-like shape that moves and shifts through different environments. "This was my second year attending the ACDFA conference, and it was my first chance to show my work. It was such an honor to be chosen to perform in a concert," Heine said.
The three adjudicators selected 12 dances for choreographic and/or performance excellence for the Gala Concert from the 37 dances adjudicated by schools from seven different states. The adjudicators were present to give feedback on the performances.
Between March 5-9, students performed dance pieces, took classes from faculty at other universities and attended six concerts.
Other UW-Whitewater students attending the conference included: Mike Bevis, Morgan Foley, David Franz, Matt Hackbarth, Colleen King, Tyler King, Rob Kulpa, Molly Moran, Erin Othrow, Kayla Punzel, Lindsey Richardson, Teri Rouse, Rebecca Ruge, Jennifer Schubert, Cassie Winter, Mallory Yott, Erika Zimmerman and Danielle Zyvert.
- Ashley Jones,jonesac08@uww.edu
