Binghamton U. dance show gives new life to 'Orpheus'

According to the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, the renowned musician and poet refused to accept the death of his new bride, Eurydice, and descended to the underworld to rescue her from Hades. That journey ultimately proved to be in vain.
Their tale of grief and hope has resonated through the ages, with countless artists and storytellers drawing inspiration from both the romantic mysticism and basic humanity that provide its ultimate lessons.
This weekend, four faculty choreographers and about 25 student dancers in Binghamton University's theater department will share their new twist on the old legend at the Anderson Center's Osterhout Concert Theater.
"Orpheus" blends the talents of Stephanie Surowka-Sanders (ballet), JoEllen Kuhlman (jazz and tap), Andy Horowitz (modern dance) and Samuel Elikem Nyamuame (African dance) into a seamless, wordless narrative that relocates Orpheus and Eurydice's wedding to an African village.
Image:a line wedding dresses uk
James Burns wrote original music for the production, and Nyamuame and a band (which includes some members of BU's Nukporfe African Dance and Drumming Ensemble) will perform the new compositions.
Although Kuhlman helped to revive an annual dance show a few years ago, "Orpheus" marks the first time that four choreographers have collaborated on one production. (The suggestion came from within BU's theater department.)
"We [the choreographers] knew it would be a huge undertaking logistically, with our schedules, because we have lives and jobs outside of the university," Surowka-Sanders said earlier this week. "It's a difficult feat to figure out when everybody can make rehearsals or choreography time. Time was our biggest obstacle — who can do what when?"
Storyboarding sessions helped to flesh out the ideas before rehearsals began, and the choreographers have supported each other's visions for what "Orpheus" will look like this weekend.
"When it's only one choreographer, you are working within the realm of that certain choreographer's strength," Surowka-Sanders said. "Usually that's one particular style, or two if you get lucky — but when you get four of us together with very different styles, the end result will be something very visually interesting with lots of layers, tones and textures within the movement, because there are so many different ideas and backgrounds coming together."
Read more at:baby pink bridesmaid dresses uk