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Show THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT American Folk Ballet dances on SUU soil Often described as II America's most beloved isolated from the arts milieu. She found the SUU professional dance company," renowned dancer and campus, with the influence of the Utah Shakespearean choreographer Burch Mann's creation, Th e American Festival, to fit exactly what she was looking for. Folk Ballet, bas provided audiences the world over with AFB's dance numbers are so demanding that it is said spellbinding perfonnances for a third of a century, and traditionally trained dancers have difficulty-performing they reside here, on the SUU campus. them. Although the basic requirement is baJJet Founded more than three decades ago, the American technique, the choreography also requires the ability to Folk Ballet (AFB} was designed to exhibit the spirit of perform classicaJ m odern, jazz and tap, to asswne the nation and its people. It is one of the most unique characterization. dance companies of the world because its founder and The distinguishing characteristic of a Burch Mannchoreographer returned to America's heritage, roots and trained dancer is his or her speed and lightness, both of folk history for the company's theme, substance and which come from hundreds of hours at the barre doing Style. excercises especially designed to strengthen the foot. The American Folk Ballet has residence on the SUU "Ir is the foot that carries the body and lifts it," Mann, campus, where many of the dancers that enter the who died two years ago, said. "A boxer uses the company receive their training. punching bag to build strength in his arms. The <lancers' The dance department was founded by Mann to punching bag is the floor." Gwen Grimes is the current produce dancers of the caliber capable of artistic director. She has been performing the rigorous with AFB since the company choreography of the AFB. began, and has continued Mann's company resided Mann's dancing style in in sou them California for trajning and performance. lnsuuctor Shauna Meudini (second from right) helps 30 years. However, she The group's rehearsal train dancers in technique classes for the American desired to remove her schedule depends on the Folk Ballet for the demanding choreography. schooLfrom "the _performance schedule during blandishments of the the summer break. Grimes nation's entertainment said that they dance about 12 capitol," she said. hours every day for two weeks Wheo Mann began to before the performances. search for a new Jocation AFB has performed for for .her school she wanted audiences all over the world, accompanied by raving a small town, _preferably in the west, where her reviews, and will continue, dancers could feel at Grimes said, Mann's tradition 'Unfenced Land' is about the expansion to the west. ~ The American Foll< Ballet has performed this piece at home, bur in a ......__""'--------'-------___. in this American folkloric community not totally dancing. a number of places all over the world an tours. 'Old South Waltz, ' an American Folk Ballet's dance. It's the Purchase of a Lifetime ... Don't spend a lifetime paying for it. • First time buyer program • With student ID get $500-$1,000 off all used vehicles or 3%-5% off all new cars • College grad get $400 off from GM • Great deals on new & used vehicles Before you invest your savings in a diamond, check out what Parke Diamond Co. has to offer: • Available financing • Diamond appraisals by an independent appraiser. • Lifetime warranty on all diamonds • Freemen's ring with purchase of an engagement ring. Call today for an appointment BRIAN BAKER (Student Sales Rep.) 360 No. Main Cedar City 58&6595 Call Steve Parke 867-0651 590-2641 1-800 -622-1063 Parkes@student.suu .edu |