Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite local dance choreographers when the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company opens its 2009-2010 season Sept. 24 with “Equilibrium.”
The show, which will feature six new works, carries the spirit of shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Local choreographers Kay Andersen, from Southern Utah University; Erik Stern, from Weber State University; Doris Trujillo, from Utah Valley University; and Eric Handman from the U will each create a short work on the theme of social change.
Handman, an assistant professor from the department of modern dance, spent much of his early career as a dancer in New York City, and earned his MFA from the U in 2003.
After the dance numbers, the audience will choose among Handman and the others for their favorite, with the winner receiving $1,000 and going on to be included in the company’s touring repertory.
The performance will also feature the world premiere of a work by Karole Armitage who was dubbed the “Punk Ballerina” by Vanity Fair.
Coming to Utah from New York, Armitage was recently nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for her choreography in the Broadway revival of “Hair.” She is known for using her background in classical ballet to explore uncharted realms of movement.
Audiences will also see “Down by the River,” a dramatic work by Carolyn Carlson, inspired by American poet A.R. Ammons, as well as a new athletic work by artistic director Charlotte Boye-Christensen.
“Equilibrium” is showing at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center at the 138 W. Broadway and runs Sept. 24 through Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for the general public, $15 for students and seniors and can be purchased by calling 801-355-ARTS or at www.arttix.org.
The Ririe-Woodbury dance company is set to open this year?s season with ?Equilibrium.? The show features choreography from a U professor of modern dance in a competition format where audience members can vote for their favorite performance.