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Theatre contemplates self
By Chris Heinitz
Published:
Thursday, April 1, 2004
Repertory Dance Theatre will entertain with a diverse blend of colorful and lively performance art, unified under the theme of Namaste.
"As always when you put together color and music, the pulse of the show moves," said associate professor and Director of Dance Debra Leigh.
The 12th annual show will incorporate the Hindu concept of Namaste.
"(Namaste) is the place inside you where the universe resides. It's about recognizing our oneness, regardless of our race or other differences. When I'm teaching, that's the lesson we learn," Leigh said.
The night's lineup includes professional hip-hop dancer Pazazz, song and dance by professional gospel singer and composer Jack Yates, a traditional rhythmic South African gumboot dancer and April Sellers, a performer who incorporates women's issues. The event will also be the professional debut of former SCSU student Laura Devorak.
In addition to the diverse crop of professionals, current SCSU dance students will perform.
"It's not what you see on MTV, it's different, it's unique. There will be something there for everyone, for any age or culture," Leigh said.
Namaste is an idea the Repertory Dance Theatre has embraced for some time, performing the rituals at the end of practice. Namaste is about the importance of individuality and the value of everyone regardless of differences. Essentially it's an awareness of the oneness of self and the recognition of the beauty and uniqueness of others, according to Leigh.
The night will explore the mystical and magical convergence of the human spirit with self. A secondary theme of feminism will also be illuminated.
"It will feature feminist ideas juxtaposed with cultural and traditional movement," Leigh said.
Repertory Dance Theatre presented a free preview show Wednesday. Shows will be held at 8 p.m., tonight, Friday and Saturday Center Stage in the Performing Arts Center.
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