Hedwig Dances’ Celebratory Concert to be Presented at the Dance Center of Columbia College This April 1-3

Hedwig Dances celebrates 25 moving years with their 25th Anniversary Concert, this April 1-3 at The Dance Center of Columbia College in Chicago. Three premieres by choreographers Susan Marshall, Andrea Miller, and founder and Artistic Director Jan Bartoszek—combine poetic choreography with sculptural artifacts, ephemeral images and haunting original music, as we encounter Fellini-esque characters, stunning aerialists and other muses on a journey from circus tent to illuminated dreamlike realm.

Chicago, IL, March 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Hedwig Dances presents their 25th Anniversary Concert April 1, 2, & 3, 2010 at 8pm, at The Dance Center of Columbia College at 1306 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Three premieres combine poetic choreography with sculptural artifacts, ephemeral images and haunting original music, as we encounter Fellini-esque characters, stunning aerialists and other muses on a journey from circus tent to illuminated dreamlike realm. There will be post-show discussions following the Thursday and Friday performances. General Admission tickets are $24 - $28, Saturday Benefit ticket is $50 and Family Dance Matinee tickets are $6 for children and $10 for adults. For tickets, please visit Colum.edu/dance_center/ or call the Dance Center Box Office at 312.369.8300.

Hedwig Dances’ 25th Anniversary season includes several special events as well. Saturday, April 3, 2010 will be a night to remember at the Dance Center, with Hedwig Dances’ 25th Anniversary Concert followed by a post performance soiree, their benefit Birthday Party. Birthday Party tickets are $50 which includes the performance and post show celebration with birthday delights. All proceeds go to benefit the Company.

Earlier that day (Saturday, April 3rd), kids and adults can join in the fun of the Dance Center’s popular Family Dance Matinee Series...a great way for families to see dance, share an experience and dance together. The family-oriented program begins with a Free hands-on movement workshop for children and adults. The Hedwig Dances Adult/Child Movement Workshop is open to ages 3 and up, is Free and begins at 2:15pm. The workshop will be followed at 3:00pm by the Family Dance Matinee featuring excerpts from the 25th Anniversary Concert. Tickets are $6 for children (12 & under) and $10 for adults, and available online Colum.edu/dance_center/ or call the Dance Center Box Office at 312.369.8300.

Celebrating 25 years is an opportunity for Hedwig Dances and audiences to remember past accomplishments as well as look forward to a bright new future. The concert honors women choreographers with three stunning premieres combining poetic choreography, with sculptural artifacts, ephemeral images and haunting original music.

The crown jewel of the evening is Artistic Director Jan Bartoszek’s world premiere of Dance of Forgotten Steps. In memory of Ms. Bartoszek’s father, Thomas Bartoszek, the piece delves into memory, identity and the influence on the living of those who have gone before. This new work features Sound Designer: Victoria “Toy” DeIorio, set design by sculptor Barbara Cooper, and projection design by Petra Bachmaler of Luftwerk, who transform the stage into a vibrant illuminated realm. The set construction was implemented by Cynthia Main, with lighting by Margaret nelon and costumes designed by Carol Genetti. Dedicated to Ms. Bartoszek’s father, Thomas Bartoszek. Dance of Forgotten Steps will be dances by the entire Company and community dancers Samantha Allen, Karla Beltchenko, Adam Gauzza, David Gerber, Danielle Gilmore, Caitlin Haywood and Michelle Scurlock.

The evening continues with the Midwest premiere of Dust, by Andrea Miller, former Ensemble Batsheva of Israel dancer and Director of Gallim Dance in New York City. Ms. Miller is known for her Humphrey-Weidman influenced movement that acknowledges the weight of the human body and the ways in which emotion affects and perhaps deforms it. With music by Arvo Part, Dust is a striking duet created especially for Hedwig Dances, featuring Company members Justin Deschamps, Michel Rodriguez, addressing mortality and the fragility of life.

Next on the bill is the Chicago premiere of Sawdust Palace Suite by world renowned MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellow and New York City-based choreographer Susan Marshall. The piece is drawn from the travails and serendipitous moments of everyday life. It incorporates elements of burlesque, cabaret, and vaudeville to create an outrageous and touching piece. The work was restaged by Susan Marshall’s Company members Luke Miller and Darrin Wright, is lit by Margaret Nelson, and features costume design by Carol Genetti based on the designs of Kasia Walicka Maimone and sound design by Jane Shaw.

In 2007 Susan Marshall & Company was jointly commissioned by Bard College’s Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Maryland to create a new work to premier in Bard’s Spiegeltent. Spiegeltents are legendary tent cabarets that toured European festival in the early 20th century and are sometimes found on the grounds of art festivals such as Bard’s. For the occasion Marshall & Company created “Sawdust Palace,” a ninety minute collection of twenty dances, which was performed in the round on an elevated circular stage inside the tent. The suite performed in this program, a selection of dances from that evening, is presented in an “unplugged” style without the trappings of platform and tent and reconfigured for performance on an intimate stage.

Hedwig Dances is a contemporary dance theatre ensemble celebrating 25 moving years. Under the artistic direction of its founder Jan Bartoszek, with Company Members Victor Alexander, Alitra Cartman, Justin Deschamps, Jessie Gutierrez, Maray Gutierrez and Michel Rodriguez, Hedwig Dances’ works resonate with complexity and depth and provoke emotion, human connection and wonder. All pieces in the 25th Anniversary Concert include lighting direction and design by Margaret Nelson. Hedwig Dances serves as the dance company in residence at the Chicago Cultural Center, and have been busy hosting classes, workshops and community outreach programs. For more information about the company call 773.871.0872 or visit online at HedwigDances.org.

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Hedwig Dances
Linda Solotaire
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www.hedwigdances.org
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