2008 Dance Gala: Special Issue
Dance Gala 2008 is October 30, 31 & November 1, 6, 7, 8 and will be held in Space Place Theater. Tickets may be purchased through the IMU Box Office at (319) 335-3041 or (800) 346-4401.
The Gala tradition began in 1981. Hosted by UI's own major Midwest theater, Hancher Auditorium, the annual Dance Gala showcases the best talent of 40-60 UI faculty and students. Majors and non-majors perform, and with full technical and artistic support 
of costume, scenic, and lighting design, choreographers and dancers experience their work produced on a professional level. Capitalizing on the talent of UI dancers and choreographers, the Gala introduces audiences to new artists not seen through other Hancher dance events, as well as to guest artists whom frequently share the stage with UI talent -- just one more way students learn and grow in their chosen field of dance.
Combining tradition with imagination, beauty with athleticism, Dance Gala is Iowa’s premiere dance event. Bring your family and friends and join in the celebration!
* Additional Information regarding the 2008 Dance Gala: Special Issue performance coming soon!*
Dance Gala 2007 Highlights:
Allégro
November 2 & 3 at 8 pm in Hancher Auditorium
A dynamic, high-energy performance lights up Hancher Auditorium when Dance Gala 2007 presents a celebration of movement, music and imagination from one of the premier dance programs in the U.S.
- As the curtain goes up on our 27th season, you’ll be treated with the magic and adventure of the circus. This dynamic new work by faculty choreographer George de la Peña features dancers from the UI Youth Ballet and the UI Dance Company in a fun mix of acrobatics, theatrics and other surprises.
- Called the “smiling revolutionary of modern choreography,” guest choreographer David Dorfman brings his signature athleticism and inventiveness to Gala. Celebrated for his exuberant, gorgeous and “delightfully oddball” style, Dorfman is an athlete turned dancer whose works often tackle contemporary issues with a playful and kinetic humanism.
- Dance Gala welcomes back choreographer Toni Pimble, who will set a new costume ballet on the UI dancers that promises to be a delight for the senses. The artistic director of the Eugene Ballet Company, Pimble’s rich, lyrical ballets appear in the repertoires of major ballet companies worldwide.
- Iowa’s own Maia Quartet will make a special appearance to accompany works by two faculty choreographers: Charlotte Adams’ playful “Alpaca Dreams” is set to Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 8 in E minor. And Eloy Barragan will use the music of Hector Villa Lobos to explore the magic surrealism of Mexican Culture. Internationally praised for their great innovation and versatility The Maia is the faculty quartet-in-residence of the UI School of Music.
- Finally, Bach’s Preludes for Cello set the stage for elegance and romance in “Three Preludes, Four Women,” a new work choreographed by UI Dance Department Chair, Alan Sener.
