By
Lisa Lucas
Arizona Daily Wildcat
'Premium Blend' combines modern, jazz, ballet into one night
While up until now the word "blending" may have induced visions of mixed alcoholic drinks for many college students, after this weekend, the UA community will never look at "blending" the same way again.
"Premium Blend," the University of Arizona dance department's annual faculty showcase, features nearly 75 UA dancers in seven faculty-choreographed pieces.
"This is first-rate dance," said Jory Hancock, head of the dance department. "I think what everyone needs to get away from is the stereotypical perception that college dance is second-rate. It isn't on this campus - (we have) really strong dancers."
Hancock attributed the strength of the department to its inclusive curriculum that infuses three styles of dance - ballet, jazz and modern.
"The theme of our department is that we train our dancers to perform in all three styles," he said. "Faculty (members) are able to choreograph in all three styles."
Hancock's daughter, Claire Hancock, a dance sophomore, added, "The unique thing about the dance department is its total synergy in its complete fusion of ballet, modern and jazz. Dancers are exposed to every aspect of dance."
"Not a lot of dance departments believe in what we're doing," she continued. "(But) if you're a dancer, you're a dancer - you've got to be able to do it all."
Jory Hancock said "Premium Blend" will display the department's variety of style through its incorporation of "everything from classical or neo-classical ballet to far-out modern" into the performance.
He added that six of the seven choreographed dances will make their debut performance in tomorrow night's opening show. However, others like "English Suite," first appeared on the Centennial Hall stage five years ago.
Claire Hancock said due to the new choreography, it was necessary that the dancers involved in "Premium Blend" put extra time and effort into perfecting each piece. Since there are so few male dancers - compared to the number needed for all of the partnered choreography - Hancock said the men in the performance have had to work the hardest.
Adam Davies, a dance senior was recognized as the department's "Senior of the Year," is one dancing in almost every piece of "Premium Blend."
"It's really hard because I'm at school all day long without many breaks," he said.
Despite the stress caused by Davies' involvement in "Premium Blend," as well as in other shows, he still maintains a positive attitude toward the program.
"I really like all the work that we're doing this year," Davies said. "A lot of the choreographers are doing something new. It's really exciting to have a piece completely choreographed for you. And they're all so different."
"I think it's a fairly entertaining show," he added. "None of the pieces are too long. None of the pieces are too heavy."
Davies said audience members should expect to see the manipulation of a variety of props throughout the performance - including trampolines in assistant dance professor Amy Ernst's "Twisted Tango."
"Premium Blend" will consist of three parts with two short intermissions, running a total time of an hour and a half.
"Everybody should come and see it," Claire Hancock said. "It's not just entertaining - it'll get you thinking a little bit."
"What's great about it is just how wholesome it is," she added. "All the dancers are really strong, and that comes from a really strong faculty - they are truly incredible for what they do. I'm proud to be a part of it."
"Premium Blend" performs tomorrow night and Saturday afternoon at Crowder Hall in the UA Fine Arts Complex. Evening shows are at 8 with a Saturday matinee at 2. Tickets are $8-$10. Call 621-4698 for more information.
