WINTER BRAVO! 2012
SHEN YUN
Dancing in the New Year
Eugene pirouett es into big-time 2012 dance season
T
BY DANTE ZUÑIGA-WEST
For those unfamiliar with Iddrisu’s caliber of work, the
Ghana-born choreographer, dancer and musician is a Ph.D.
who also happens to teach at Portland’s Reed College.
Coming from a family of musicians, Iddrisu studied the
traditional music and dance of his country before going on
to win several awards distinguishing him as one of Ghana’s
most successful dancers. Iddrisu is best known for his
leadership of the Novisi Dance group and his choreographer-
at-large status in Ghana’s capital city, Accra.
In the U.S., Iddrisu is often remembered for his version
of a South African gumboot dance that was presented at the
national American College Dance Festival in Washington,
he new year brings boldly ambitious
and dazzling dance performances
to Eugene. Spectacular shows rep-
resenting local, collegiate, national
and international talent will be grac-
ing the stages for months to come.
The UO School of Dance kicks off the 2012 season
in diverse and exciting fashion with the Dance Africa
Concert. UO’s gifted Dance Africa ensemble will be
guided by guest choreographer Habib Iddrisu, performing
dance technique native to the countries of Zimbabwe,
Senegal, Guinea and more.
D.C., at the Kennedy Center. His world-class aptitude
combined with the honed skills of the Dance Africa
ensemble make this a truly unique, must-see performance.
In February, internationally acclaimed classical Chinese
dance company Shen Yun is coming to the Hult Center’s
Silva Concert Hall. An absolutely captivating show fi lled
with elite dancers and original orchestral compositions,
Shen Yun seamlessly blends music and dance. The New
York-based performing arts troupe is on a mission to revive
5,000 years of Chinese tradition.
Displaying historic Chinese culture as it once existed,
Shen Yun presents ethnic and folk dance styles while retelling
some of China’s legendary creation stories. With high-tech
animated backdrops that recreate rich landscapes and scenes
of mythological grandeur, Shen Yun beautifully showcases
dancers whose skills are highlighted in dramatic form.
Boasting hundreds of handmade costumes representing
various Chinese regions and dynasties, Shen Yun is an all-
encompassing immersion in history and harmony.
Make sure to listen for distinctly unique Chinese
instruments such as the pipa and the erhu as the original
compositions unfold throughout the show.
Also in February, the fresh, high-energy dancers of
Work Dance Company bring a younger, more explosive
type of performance to the Hult Center stage. Nightlife!,
a dance production fusing hip hop, jazz and funk styles
together with video, is an eye-catching experience with
upbeat tempos and wonderfully raw choreography. Look
to see Nate Boozer’s group of dedicated dancers pop off
with old-school and new-school style and technique.
Perhaps most exciting about Nightlife! is the who’s-
who list of guest groups also involved — Kings Krew,
UO Jam Squad, Dance Factory, Zapp, Dance Northwest
and more — that are sure to make it an eclectic and fi ery
evening to remember. Work Dance Company has a habit
of selling out the Hult Center shows, so make sure to get
your tickets soon.
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EUGENE WEEKLY JANUARY 19, 2012 23