Beal headlines faculty dance concert

What do Bobby McFerrin, Frank Zappa, Momix, NASA, the Moscow Circus and the San Francisco ’49ers have in common? They’ve all had the pleasure of working with multi-talented, dancer/choreographer Tandy Beal, guest artist-in-residence at the UW–Madison Dance Program.

Beal’s work, along with that of dance/ interarts and technology faculty Li Chiao-Ping, Douglas Rosenberg and Jin-Wen Yu, will be showcased in the upcoming Faculty Concert Nov. 15-17, 8 p.m., Lathrop Hall.

“We are delighted to feature an artist of Tandy’s caliber in our fall concert,” says Li, dance professor and faculty concert coordinator. “Her artistic endeavors are varied and include writing, directing and choreographing for stage, film, television and circuses.

“She’s also shown her work in venues ranging from black box theaters to football stadiums where she once choreographed a half-time show for the San Francisco ’49ers,” says Li. “Needless to say, she’s helped our students think outside the box.”

The public is invited to hear Beal talk informally about life as a dancer and choreographer on Friday, Nov. 9, at 3:30 p.m. in the Margaret H’Doubler Performance in Lathrop Hall. Her talk is the first in a new series sponsored by the Dance Program entitled “Performance and Inspiration.”

As artistic director for Tandy Beal and Company and for the New Pickle Circus (1971- 2000), Beal has created 20 full-length shows and approximately 100 shorter works that have toured worldwide. She has also taught at major universities around the country, in Europe and in Asia.

During her residency, Beal will premier a new group work created for and performed by UW students in the faculty concert. “While it’s difficult to make a dance at this time,” says Beal, “I’m struck by the mystery that is inherent in all things; civilization meeting the mysterious, the numinous; and dreams that intermingle with reality.” Beal will also perform a solo. Other works include:

• An untitled dance repertory piece Li created. This new rhythmic, fast-paced, demanding work incorporates intricate partner and footwork for eight student dancers and is accompanied by music of Seattle-based composer Amy Denio.
• “Corpus Callosum,” a solo work inspired by dreams of flight, was choreographed by Li in 1996 and will be performed by Li Chiao-Ping Dance company member Andrea Harris with music of Glenn Branca.
• A multimedia work by Douglas Rosenberg that pushes the definition of dance with original music by interarts and technology student Daniel Feiler.
• “Duet #1,” a playful, athletic duet choreographed and performed by Yu with Yun-Chen Liu, a member of Jin-Wen Yu Dance. The duet is set to the sounds of Bobby McFerrin.
• “Fennine,” a dance repertory piece Yu created. This ritualistic group work performed by students incorporates stones as props to symbolically link ancient and primal ties to this contemporary dance. Music includes folk songs by the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir.

On Friday, Nov. 16, for one night only, the “Friday Night for Five” special for student tickets is $5. Tickets for all other performances are $8 for students and $12 for the general public. All tickets go on sale at the door one hour before concert time, general seating only.

Beal’s residency is sponsored by the UW–Madison Anonymous Fund. For information, call (608) 262-1691.