by Lisa M. Chmiola
Staff Writer
Looking for something to whet your appetite? Perhaps you should take a look at what's on the menu at Cafe Dance, a University of Houston University Dance Theatre production.
For just $6 ($5 for students), you may select any or all of the following, and more, from the menu:
mysterious world of dreams
lighthearted flirtations
tea time with spinsters
cooperative athleticism
a racy look at the '70s
The annual spring concert consists of nine pieces performed by UH students, most of whom are members of UDT's Ensemble.
Members of Ensemble are selected by open audition every spring, said dance Professor Joanna Friesen. "That group rehearses at least three times a week all year long," she said.
She added that, throughout the year, Ensemble performs at public schools to encourage students to become more involved in dance. "What we're trying to do is get a little interest about the kind of dance we do here," she explained.
The group also travels once a year to the American College Dance Festival, and a portion of the proceeds from their spring concert benefit the trip, Friesen said.
The primary dance event of the year, this concert has been in the works on and off for about a year, said director Vicki Loftin. "The choreography was being formulated throughout the year," Loftin said.
As work on the show progressed, the dance production class came up with the coffee-house theme, Loftin said. "(It) emerged as a light offering. It also had a lack of formality - kind of like sitting in a coffee shop having a conversation."
Many students are asked to participate if they have proven their expertise in dance or choreography.
"If we see somebody that really has a flair for choreography, we invite them to continue their work and put it into the spring concert," Friesen said.
Although the production showcases several types of dance, the majority of the pieces involve modern dance, Friesen said.
"Modern dance is about individual expression ... I would say there is a leaning to modern dance because of that individuality," Friesen said.
Cafe Dance will stir up its special blend at Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Cullen Performance Hall on the UH campus. Call 743-2929 for details.