Released March 30, 2005

HATTIESBURG – The Repertory Dance Company at The University of Southern Mississippi continues its 2004-05 season April 7-9, presenting its Spring Dance Concert with original choreography by faculty, students and guest artists.

The concert, held at 7:30 p.m. each evening in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium, continues in the tradition of "showcasing the highest-caliber work to the community," according to Stacy Reischman, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southern Miss.

For this concert, guest artist Christal Brown joins the company. On campus for a two-week residency with the ensemble of dancers, she has set a piece for five dancers that was inspired by the quote "Sometimes it is necessary for a thing to be reminded of its loveliness; thus it blooms from the inside with self-blessing."

"Brown performs with the Urban Bush Women, and we are thrilled to have her contribute her creativity to the RDC," Reischman said.

Reischman choreographed a solo work, Centered Surrender, for the concert that explores the past, present and future. Senior Becca Sleger of Ocean Springs will dance to the rich, melodic sounds of Bach, performed by a countertenor. The dance is simple in design, yet Resichman hopes to draw the audience in through provocative gestures combined with visually striking moments. "I hope people who watch this dance are reminded of some journey from their own lives," she said.

Magon Tubbs, a junior from Pascagoula, has created and there were 7, a piece that explores the indirect relationship of seven cast members. "These indirect relationships are portrayed through angular formations as well as a variety of precise movements," Tubbs said of her work. With all the right elements--costuming, music and movement--the piece contains a sense of sudden aggression that leaves the audience with a feeling of tranquility.

"Driving, anxious music" inspired senior Kimmie Allen's fret, a piece full of dynamic changes. This dance is full of low-level, intricate movement that winds its way through the dancers and results in a satisfying outcome.

"The title is a mix between describing the music and giving my dance a name," Allen, of Natchitoches, La., joked.

In response to student requests for more faculty performances, Reischman will join faculty member Julie Hammond and visiting guest artist Trebien Pollard on a new trio collaboration called Rooted.

Rooted is crafted in a way that highlights interaction among the three dancers, yet it focuses attention on their individual movement preferences. Asked about the process of creating the dance, Reischman said, "It has been fun but challenging. The three of us are all giving input. It's like three cooks in the kitchen. However, knowing that we've come to an agreement for the sake of creating a high-quality dance is satisfying."

Tickets for each show of the series are $6 for students, $8 for Southern Miss faculty, s

taff and alumni and senior citizens, and $10 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Southern Miss Ticket Office at (601) 266-5418 or 800-844-8425 or by visiting www.usm.edu/tickets.

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