Rare dance performance

Dancing in air, Australian aboriginal creation stories and original music with roots in classical and folk -- it all comes together in a special performance, Thursday, Jan. 14, in Thermopolis.

The program features the University of Wyoming Vertical Dance ensemble, Paul Taylor, master Australian storyteller and Lights Along the Shore quartet.

Vertical dance is an art form blending modern dance and rappelling that allows free-flowing aerial movement. University of Wyoming student dancers use climbing ropes and harnesses that suspend them above the stage and audience. The dance ensemble will perform new compositions on ropes rigged above the stage, illuminated by innovative designs from lighting expert Greg Owen, with University of Wyoming's Department of Theater and Dance. The dance form was developed by University faculty members Margaret Wilson and Neil Humphrey. Vertical dancers have been performing in the Laramie area since 1998 but have rarely been seen in other parts of the state.

Paul Taylor, who was born in Australia and now lives in Laramie, has been a long-time member of the Wyoming Artist Roster program. Taylor teaches Australian folk art and music in schools throughout the state. He will celebrate aboriginal life with stories, movement, sound and visual images.

Lights Along the Shore will add original compositions and arrangements for piano, clarinet, percussion and flute. The group consists of music professors Dr. Steve Barnhart, percussion; Rod Garnett, Moldovan pan pipes and traditional flutes; Blake McGee, clarinet; accompanied by Lisa Rickard, University of Wyoming staff pianist. They combine a variety of wind instruments with keyboard and percussion to create a unique sound. Dave Rickard from D&L Music will provide sound support.

The performance is in the Hot Springs County School District Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. Students are free. Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, available at Broadway Bygones, 535 Broadway..

The performers are in Thermopolis for a three-day residency in the public schools and the community, including a short program at the Pioneer Home, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m., and a House Concert.

The school residency includes classroom activities in the elementary and middle schools, as well as high school band and choir. Neil Humphrey, a geologist traveling with the dancers, will talk with the high school environmental science class.

Thermopolis is fortunate to be included in this first tour around the state for the group.

The public performance is part of the University of Wyoming Outreach programs. It is sponsored by the University of Wyoming (Departments of Theater and Dance and Music), Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Arts Cheyenne and Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation.

For more information, email broadwaybygones@rtconnect.net.