Denison University Department of Dance presents “Shared Ground,” a spring dance concert at 8 p.m. over three evenings — Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 16 -18 — in the performance space of the Doane Dance building (231 West College). The concert features works by dance faculty Maria Cynthia Anderson, Alice Cummins, Richard Haisma, Sandra Mathern-Smith and guest artists from the Gypsy Dance Theatre, including Denison’s resident musician, Terrence Karn. This event is free and open to the public.

“Look Mom,” choreographed by Anderson, is inspired by American rock ’n roll, which, since its inception, has been a primary source of youth expression and rebellion. Anderson, from Seattle, Wa., is a former member of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She has an M.F.A. in dance from the University of Washington. “Look Mom” features dancers Megan Castriano (Lancaster, Pa.), Diana Dixon (Perrysburg, Ohio), Olivia Gray Bé (Cleveland Heights, Ohio), Brittany Jackson (Kent, Ohio), Christina Mariano (Warren, Ohio), Madeline Skaggs (Okemos, Mich.) and Katie Starrett (Seven Hills, Ohio).

Cummins, choreographer for “no one attains,” is an Australian dance artist with a master of arts degree from Victoria University in Melbourne. She has studied and worked extensively in Australia, Europe and the United States. Cummins notes, “‘no one attains’ explores breath, touch, and momentum ... how they cyclically inform each other and the mood and feeling this creates. The title is from a poem by Czeslaw Milosz (Bobo’s Metamorphosis). I particularly love the resonance this had for me in wanting to engage with qualities of vulnerability, courage and tenderness.” Featured are dancers Ilke Akcasoy (Istanbul, Turkey), Amy Brown (Camp Hill, Pa.), Courtney Ego (Victor, N.Y.), Elisabeth Giffin (Indianapolis, Ind.), Samantha Hyde (Akron, Ohio), Kayla Mahalchak (Carnegie, Pa.) and Effi Taylor (Silver Spring Md.).

Sandra Mathern-Smith, associate professor of dance and department chair, is the choreographer of “On the edge of my periphery.” Mathern-Smith comments, “This work began with a specific challenge of solo improvisation in which focus and form, words and movements, are the starting place for finding meaning in their dances, and images of transitioning landscapes, where one ecosystem is shifting into another, like the edge of a meadow or the bank of a creek, are working metaphors for the edges of our experiences in which transitions and shifts occur or are occurring. This work, starting with short disparate images strung together, then finally merging into a longer phrase or idea, is meant to invite the viewer to see in these their own story, to create their own narrative. Consider them as simply moments in the middle of their dancing.” This piece features music composed by Terrence Karn and performed live by Karn and The Gypsy Dance Theatre. Featured dancers are Akcasoy, Castriano, Kathleen Dean (Granville, Ohio), Dixon, Jackson, Heather Robertson (Edgerton, Ohio) and Alison Waldman (Penfield, N.Y.).

Richard Haisma, an internationally known dancer, teacher and choreographer is creator of “OASIS.” Haisma has performed his solo choreography throughout Europe and the United States, and has created and directed a school of Laban Movement Analysis (2002-04) in Milan and teaches contemporary dance yearly in cities throughout Italy. He is presently artistic director of Geomantics Dance Theatre in Rochester, N.Y. Of “OASIS,” Haisma writes, “The tribe arrives at an ancient oasis to meditate and dance. The elders live here and precede these sparkling movers in their laughter and love of life. Though they must also mourn and recognize life’s limits, they are now ready to travel onward feeling refreshed from their celebration.” The music is composed and performed by Robert Een, an acclaimed composer, cellist and singer. Featured dancers are: Akcasoy, Genie Charles (Cambridge, Mass.), Theresa Daniel (Aurora, Colo.), Elizabeth Gannon (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Catherine Latell (Warrren, Ohio), Steph Maniaci (Mentor, Ohio), Marisa Ortiz (Clarkston, Mich.), Elyse Schultz (Traverse City, Mich.) and Waldman.

“Gypsy Journeys,” fills out the second half of the program. Choreographed by the Gypsy Dance Theatre, with music by the Gypsy Dance Theatre Orchestra, Gypsy Journey is a historical trip around the world from where the gypsies began to the present day, featuring ancient rhythms for the 21st century. Gypsy Dance Theatre performers include: Ken Knezick, percussion, clarinet, vocals and mandocello; Jay Kruse, percussion, ney and bansuri; Kristen Jensen, percussion, violin and vocals; Terrence Karn, percussion, accordion, vocals and dancer; Alla Shariy, dancer, guitar, vocals and percussion; Robin Holland, dancer, zills and percussion; Priscilla Rivas, dancer, tambourine and percussion; Kristina Koutsoudas; dancer, zaghareets and percussion, with special guest Clara Ramona, flamenco/fusion.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville —“Shared Ground,” spring dance concert featuring works by guest artists, dance faculty and the Gypsy Dance Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, in the performance space of the Doane Dance building (231 West College). The performance is free and open to the public. For information, contact 740-587-6712.

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville —“Shared Ground,” spring dance concert featuring works by guest artists, dance faculty and the Gypsy Dance Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, in the performance space of the Doane Dance building (231 West College). The performance is free and open to the public. For information, contact 740-587-6712.

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville —“Shared Ground,” spring dance concert featuring works by guest artists, dance faculty and the Gypsy Dance Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, in the performance space of the Doane Dance building (231 West College). The performance is free and open to the public. For information, contact 740-587-6712.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575