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Another
goal of the Gala is to build dance audiences. Presenting top-quality premieres,
and capitalizing on the talent of UI dancers and choreographers, the Gala
introduces audiences to new artists not seen through other Hancher dance
events.
The Gala tradition began in 1981. Since then, renowned
guest artists are frequently invited to share the stage with UI talent.
The opportunity to watch artists rehearse, and to perform with them provides
yet another chance for UI students to learn and grow in their chosen field.
TEACHING
OPPORTUNITIES
 Undergraduate
dance students with a solid knowledge of technique have opportunities
to teach students of all ages through a variety of programs.
The UI Dance Forum, which caters to the Iowa City community, employs qualified
dance instructors to teach classes ranging from ballet to tap to jazz,
for children to adults.
In respect to their level and teaching abilities, undergraduate students
may teach part-time University students in the Saturday & Evening
Class Program. Students may also seek teaching opportunities in the numerous
local and area dance studios.
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DANCERS
IN COMPANY
Dancers In Company is The University of Iowa’s own touring Dance
Company. Founded in 1986, the company is comprised of a select group of
advanced dancers chosen by audition. The company has an extensive schedule
of performances, demonstrations, master classes and workshops.
Dancers In Company reflects the goals and educational mission of the UI
Dance Department, which offers equally strong training in both modern
and ballet dance technique. This exuberant company performs award-winning,
internationally acclaimed choreography. The company has been noted for
its ability to reach all levels of dance-educated audiences with its changing
repertory of humorous, poignant, lyrical, unexpected, as well as traditional
works. Drawing from its own professional faculty as well as contemporary
guest choreographers and reconstructed master-works, the company is able
to bring a wide range of recognized choreographers to one stage, presenting
a varied spectrum of concert dance.
Tours have included a live-audience taping of the entire program on Iowa
Public Television, performances in over 25 communities in the state of
Iowa, as well as Chicago, Tucson, Galena, Omaha, Kansas City, Milwaukee,
and St. Louis, and the 1990 Hong Kong International Dance Festival.
The formation of this company demonstrates the committed purpose of its
co-sponsors, the UI Dance Department and UI Arts Share Program, to promote
dance education for audiences of all ages.
SPACE/PLACE
CONCERTS
An
integral part of the performance experience for dance students is participation
in the many formal and experimental concerts throughout the year. Garnering
praise from local critics, these concerts showcase the developing talent
in performance and choreography within the UI Dance Department. One reviewer
commented:
“The
new works presented in Saturday night’s Space/Place Concert had the
characteristic freshness and variety of styles one comes to expect from
these events.”
The Dance Department’s Space/Place Theatre
provides space for these concerts. An evening performance could be graduate
students presenting their MFA thesis concerts, members of a composition
class testing in practice what they’ve learned in the classroom,
dance faculty and students showing their new choreography, or exciting
re-staging of classic and contemporary works. Each of the concerts provides
dance students with the opportunity to experiment and to excel.
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