Topic: College of Fine Arts

April 14, 2010

Performers from the Ball State University Dance Theatre program will transform the University Theatre stage into a world never seen before. Painting, sculpture and literature will come to life through dance during the run of "An Evening with the Arts," Performances are scheduled each night at 7:30 p.m. April 28-May 1.

Artistic director Audra Sokol said the department developed the idea of incorporating different fine art elements into dance pieces last year with the goal of bringing the idea to fruition this spring. Each choreographer chose a different form of art, such as sculpture, painting, text and music, which he or she then had to integrate into dance.

It's the first time the department has explored a performance of this nature, making it something new for the audience to enjoy, Sokol said. The entire cast is made up of Ball State dance theater members, with the exception of a couple students and one professional. Susan Koper, who is a faculty member and a choreographer for the show, will perform in one of the dance numbers.

Sokol adds that the audience can look forward to a number of different types of dance. "We are all very different when it comes to movement preferences, so our show never becomes familiar or stale. It will continually keep the audience questioning what will come next."

The overall process of directing the show—and getting to enjoy the final outcome—is what excites Sokol most about "An Evening with the Arts."

"It takes months to pull off a successful dance concert with scheduling, rehearsals, organizing music/programs/students, etc. But it all becomes totally worth it when you finally start to see and realize the beautiful outcome of all our hard work," she said.

Tickets for the performance cost $12.50 for the general public, $11.50 for faculty and staff, $9.50 for senior citizens, and $6.50 for students. They are available from the University Theatre Box Office, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the box office at 765-285-8749 or visit www.bsu.edu/theatre for more information.

By Samantha Irons