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Modern dance in America
Repertory Dance Theatre pays Olympic tribute to pioneering choreographers
By Scott Iwasaki
Deseret News music editor
In planning the Repertory Dance Theatre's performance for the 2002 Cultural Olympiad, artistic director Linda C. Smith spoke with Raymond T. Grant, of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee.
"We discussed quite a bit of possibilities," Smith told the Deseret News. "We have so many commissioned works that pay homage to Utah — 'Landscape Suite,' 'Separate Journeys.' But it was Ray that said he wanted to spotlight the idea of RDT's dedication to preserving American Classic Modern Dance."
RDT will present the signature works of three American Master Modern Dance Choreographers when it performs "American Masters" for the Cultural Olympiad, comprised of Martha Graham's "Diversion of Angles" (1948), Doris Humphrey's "With My Red Fires" (1936) and Helen Tamiris' "Dance for Walt Whitman" (1961). The program will be presented in the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$35, available at all ArtTix outlets or by calling 355-ARTS.
This is the first time since the 1930s that these three works have been performed on the same program, said Smith. "In the early 1930s, the three choreographers co-produced and shared costs of providing public modern-dance performances by various choreographers. But there were times when the choreographers didn't agree with aspects of the programs, so the performances came to an end."
And it has taken the modern-dance world more than 70 years to fill that void. Thanks to Grant and RDT, the stage will once again be alive with these three works. "We have had the Tamiris work since 1961," said Smith, "and we also had Humphrey's piece. And the Graham work became possible for us to acquire after her death (in 1991).
"What's more important about these works is the fact that they aren't dusty relics from the past. They don't look dated but are exciting and emit joyful and exciting movement and themes."
Smith said she wanted RDT to present a program that was both uplifting and inspirational. And the three works run the gamut of emotion and themes. "These three works are courageous and thought-provoking," she said. "And we're confident that people will enjoy them, even those who have never attended a modern-dance program before."
Tamiris' "Dance for Walt Whitman" was originally set in 1958, but reset at the University of Utah in 1961, said Smith. "It was inspired by Whitman's written work 'Leaves of Grass.' She wanted to create a dance that conveyed the spirit and courage of the West."
Smith said "Dance for Walt Whitman" will be narrated by award-winning football star, actor and 2002 Olympic torch bearer Merlin Olsen. "He is a civic leader, an actor and an athlete who has a resume filled with admirable accomplishments. And we felt he was the perfect choice for this work."
Humphrey's "With My Red Fires," choreographed in 1936, is an intense abstract work that was a reflection of the world in unrest just before it was engulfed by World War II. "Both of these works take large casts," Smith said. "So we had the idea to also pay tribute to some of the local dance schools. We wanted to give them some exposure to show the world just how good the dance programs in this state are."
Students from Brigham Young University, University of Utah and other schools auditioned for the two works, said Smith. "We wanted to honor the dance education in the state and these two work well in doing just that."
Graham's "Diversion of Angels" was choreographed in 1948. The artist used colors and movement to symbolize the different stages of love, said Smith. "We're excited to be able to present this work and to include it in our repertory. And we're excited to have this chance to show the world what we do."
E-mail: scott@desnews.com
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February 17, 2002
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