Engineering Enters the Equation When UA’s Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre Performs April 1-4

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – This spring, the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre goes high-tech Tuesday through Friday, April 1-4, in Morgan Auditorium at The University of Alabama with two dances that are the result of collaboration between UA’s dance program and the College of Engineering.

Look for some creepy special-effects surprises in the show’s finale, “Frequency,” which incorporates televisions and ultrasound sensors with music from “The Matrix” and “Underworld.”

“This is probably the most innovative concert we’ve ever done, in terms of integrating outside influences – the engineering department, the art department, the telecommunications department, costume design, lighting design,” says Cornelius Carter, director of the University’s dance program. “I think this represents a real coming-of-age for us. This company has grown into a very seasoned, mature group.”

“We created a workshop this semester so that students can experiment using technology and engineering in dance performances,” says Dr. Monica Anderson, assistant professor of computer science and engineering faculty adviser for the group. “The students have displayed incredible knowledge, creativity and professionalism in their approach to using technology. Currently, we are working on a sensor-based solution for reactive video.”

Of course, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, the pre-professional dance company of The University of Alabama, will also feature more traditional work, including selections from Act III of “Swan Lake.” Additional treats include a high-energy ballet set to techno music, a romantic Spanish tango featuring Latin jazz from “The Buena Vista Social Club,” and pieces performed against Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the indie rock of the Magnetic Fields.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 3, and at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 4. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for UA faculty, staff and senior citizens and $9 for students. (All prices include a $1 service charge.) Tickets are available at the box office from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Rowand-Johnson Hall; at www.crimsonartstickets.com; or by phoning 205/348-3400. Morgan Auditorium is on Colonial Drive in the UA Theatre District.

The theatre and dance department is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.