Date:
4/11/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Britt Hochhausler
PORTALES – The Department of Theatre and Dance at Eastern New Mexico University will present "From the Nearby Faraway," a dance concert on April 24-26 in the University Theatre Center.
There are three guest choreographers for the performance, including Chris Ferris, a MoDern (not a typo) dancer from New York City. Joan Gonwa, visiting professor of dance and director of dance studies at ENMU, and Megan Chilson, assistant professor of health and physical education at ENMU, will also be choreographing pieces.
Mr. Ferris is the head of the SWEAT dance series. She has performed with Ms. Gonwa in Milwaukee, Wis., as part of the Foothold dance series. She will be visiting the Department for two weeks prior to the performance (April 13-27) and will teach a class for all interested students.
"I decided to invite her because her viewpoint is unique and she is an excellent choreographer," Ms. Gonwa said. "I think it will be a good experience for the students."
Ms. Gonwa is a visiting professor from Santa Fe Community College and University of New Mexico. She is filling in for Jill Pribyl, who was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship at Macarere University in Kampala, Uganda. Ms. Pribyl will return for the 2003-04 school year. Both Ms. Pribyl and Ms. Gonwa are MoDern dancers (a style similar to ballet). Ms. Gonwa will choreograph five student pieces for the show and will appear in one of them.
Megan Chilson, professor of health and physical education, came to ENMU in fall 2002. She also teaches Introduction to Ballet in the dance department. She will be choreographing a can-can and a tap dance.
There are over 50 ENMU students involved in the production. According to Ms. Gonwa, the production will be very diverse.
"The dances range from serious to ones with world beat music, from fun to serious. We have some explosive performances and also some surprises."
Tickets are $4 for students, and $7 for general admission. Advance sales begin Wednesday, April 16 at the University Theatre Box Office. For ticket information, call 505.562.2710.
For more information, contact Ms. Gonwa at 505.562.2229.
(bottom photos by Britt Hochhausler)
