Carleton College student dancers, along with members of the renowned Semaphore Repertory Dance Company, will present their Spring Dance Performance on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. in the Weitz Center for Creativity Theater. Directed by Judith Howard and Jane Shockley, this popular annual event is free and open to the public but reservations are encouraged and can be made online at go.carleton.edu/tixato/buy/.
The performance will feature choreography by student, faculty and guest artists inspired by the theme “Azoth,” a term for the universal medicine sought in alchemy. A blend of tai chi, martial arts, and modern dance, the choreography will explore the powers of earth, wind, fire, and water as natural healing forces.
"The inspiration for ‘Azoth’ is really about ritual,” explains Howard, associate professor of dance and chair of the department of theater and dance. “Ritual as performance. It's not about entertainment, it's about creating an environment and energy for the performers as well as the audience."
Howard’s professional career accomplishments include the award winning dance company, The Flying Sisters Theater. A Twin Cities based artist, Howard has also presented her work and workshops nationally and internationally. She is the recipient of several Jerome Foundation Grants and a McKnight choreographic fellowship. She is a three-time nominee for the Sage Award for “Outstanding Dance Educator” and a recipient of the Sage Award for “Outstanding Performance.” In 2005, Howard was selected “Best Choreographer” by the Twin Cities journal, City Pages.
Senior lecturer in dance Jane Shockley, a noted modern dancer and founding member of the Zenon and New Dance Performance Laboratory, acts as an adjunct instructor in dance and assists in the direction of dance productions.
This event is sponsored by the Carleton College Department of Theater and Dance. For more information, including disability accommodations, please call (507) 222-4531. The Weitz Center for Creativity Theater is located at Third and Union Streets in Northfield.