"Family Ties," an annual dance concert for Family Weekend produced by the UA Dance Division, almost didn't happen this year.

Jory Hancock, head of the dance division in the School of Music and Dance, contacted Facilities Design and Construction when a 30-foot crack in a 90-foot supporting beam was found in the Ina E. Gittings Building, he said.

"I thought there might be a potential situation where the beams were failing and the roof would be coming in."

Hancock added that when an engineer from Facilities Design saw the extent of the crack he warned that scaffolding would be necessary right away, and he even suggested condemning the building. It is ironic that seats costing $254,000 were installed during the summer, and they have not been used because of the scaffolding blocking them, Hancock said.

Facilities Design sent another engineer for a second opinion who decided the beam was fixable if funds were approved, Hancock said.

Funds were approved quickly, Hancock said. He praised Michael Cusanovich, vice president of Research and Graduate Studies, and Robert Smith director of Facilities Management, for what he called their prompt action.

Repairs were made between Oct. 10 and 17 by The Ashton Co. Inc. Contractors and Engineers, Hancock said. Bill Vail, company president and UA alumnus, put aside several jobs to help out, he said.

"My crew worked through the weekend to speed things up," Vail said.

The reason for the rush was the upcoming Family Weekend.

Hancock also reported the dance division has more majors than ever before - up about 50 percent from last year. "The place (dance division) is booming."

The concert will offer jazz, ballet and modern dance and will be performed as scheduled during Family Weekend, Hancock said.

"In addition to the dance pieces and lecture demonstration, we have a surprise for the parents," Hancock said, hinting, "It involves audience participation."

The UA Dance Ensemble has performed in the Jazz Dance Congress, an invitation-only event, for several years in places including Chicago, Japan and Washington D.C.

Susan Quinn's Texas Canyon, a piece performed at The Kennedy Center last year, will be featured in "Family Ties."

Another feature will be Sam Watson's Sculpture Garden. Watson is an award-winning guest choreographer.

"The evening will be fun and entertaining," Hancock said. "A humorous and bright tap number, Moses Supposes from 'Singin' in the Rain' will also be highlighted."

Also included will be a new work by Nina Janik, associate professor of dance, and a modern dance demonstration by Dr. John Wilson dance professor, that will include live accompaniment by local musician Joe Rush. Two dance cartoons choreographed by Melissa Lowe, associate professor of dance, and Hancock will open and close the concert.

The performance is 5:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets will be available at the door for $7.50 general admission, but seating is limited, Hancock said. Call 621-4698 for more information.

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