What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1485748
LeBlanc moved to Fayetteville before her studies at New York University and returned afterward. "I come across so many students here at the UA who have had to stop dancing because of the lack of options on campus," she says. "I see myself in them and recognize the sadness. … I think I got tired of waiting for dance to be recognized and decided I'd just do it myself." LeBlanc created a registered student organization and says close to 100 students showed interest. "Because of the lack of space — there are no dance studios specifically dedicated to dance on the UA campus — it was hard to keep up with offering classes and finding space," she continues. "This fall, space in the Global Theater became available and, with the Department of Theatre's support, the RSO decided to open auditions for a company of dancers. Thirty-five students showed up, and we now have a strong company of 14 trained dancers. We have been rehearsing in Global Theater since September! The Movement company is now becoming a departmental organization, and we are hopeful that dedicated space and possibly a degree will be in our future." For their groundbreaking concerts, LeBlanc solicited the work of four choreographers. "Frank Vega was brought in from Houston to set an '80s jazz piece; Lyle Oberman, a New Yorker who has relocated to our area, set a dream- based contemporary piece; Stephanie Thibeault, who was the head of the UALR dance program (which is in its last year of existence) came up from Little Rock to set a beautiful nostalgic piece to country and bluegrass music; and I set a piece about the weight of grief," she elaborates. "In addition, we have invited students from Arkansas Arts Academy to bring one piece; a local Butoh teacher, Lela Besom, is setting a Butoh piece; and Karen Castleman, who is currently teaching at the UA, set a piece on both the beginning modern and ballet classes. "We hope many people will come out to see the fine work of these dance artists. We guarantee it will be worth your while!" 6 WHAT'S UP! NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2022 Dance Continued From Page 5 Frank Vega came from Houston to set an '80s jazz piece for the new UA dance company. (Courtesy Photo/Michael Riha) Need a photo reprint? ➤ Go to nwaonline.com ➤ Click on "Today's Photos" in the top menu bar FAYETTEVILLE