Headlong Dance Theatre, a contemporary dance company based in Philadelphia, will join forces with a group of eight Denison students to present a performance at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday (Feb. 16-17) in the Doane Dance Performance Space (231 W. College). "Headlong Dance Theatre is fresh and funny in their explorations of the movement world," says Associate Professor Sandy Mathern-Smith, chair of the dance department. Tickets are $8 general admission, $4 students and seniors and free for the Denison community. For more information, contact the dance department at 740-587-6712 or email ulandj@denison.edu.

Headlong will present four distinct works, several of which were recently performed in their evening length show of "Mixed Tape for a Bad Year." Taking inspiration from popular culture, Headlong's work combines theatricality and humor in works that comment on the human condition. Improvisation is an important component of their choreography and process.

Also featured in this concert will be the premier of "Homebodies." At the tail end of winter break in January, the company undertook the challenge of a workshop, sourcing and setting material on eight Denison students. Selected by audition, Erin Davidson, Sarah Drake, Jennifer Guglielmi, Kathryn Hotler, Abeje Maolud-Sneed, Sarah Page, Tasmin Pepin-Perry and Katie Sparks spent a week in Philadelphia completely immersed in Headlong-topia. What came out of the experience is a piece centered on the often confusing but humorous lives of Denison students.

David Brick, Andrew Simonet and Amy Smith founded Headlong Dance Theater in 1993 and are its co-directors. Brick, Simonet and Smith collaborate in the creation and performance of all Headlong's dances and share credit for all the company's work. Two additional dancers, Nichole Canuso and Heather Murphy, joined Headlong in 1996.

Over the years, Headlong has created more than 35 dances, many of which are known for their witty take on contemporary culture. "Rather than relying on a single dance style or technique, Headlong develops a unique movement vocabulary for each new piece," says Mathern-Smith. "The co-directors' eclectic movement backgrounds include modern, ballet, jazz, tap, contact improvisation, releasing techniques, theater, sports, sign language, Bharata Natyam, and Ghanaian dance. Drawing on these and many other sources, Headlong creates movement that both reflects and comments on the subject matter they are exploring."

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- Concert by Headlong Dance Theatre; 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday (Feb. 16-17), Doane Dance Center (231 W. College St.). Tickets are $8 general admission and $4 students and seniors and may be reserved by calling 740-587-6712. Call 740-587-6712 to confirm information.

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