Big Muddy Dance will perform at Southeast

The Big Muddy Dance Co. will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Rust Flexible Theatre at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus.

Big Muddy is a St. Louis-based contemporary jazz dance group of 11 professional dancers. In its fourth season, the company has attracted fans with an eclectic mix of new and classic dance works, according to a news release from the university,

The company has repertoire choreographed by world-renowned artists Lou Conte, founder of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Brian Enos, who has set dance works with companies such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Nashville Ballet, Danceworks, Ballet Met and Grand Rapids Ballet; and Harrison McEldowney, who has set works with companies such as Danceworks, Hubbard Street, River North Chicago, Ballet Met, Louisville Ballet, Hubbard Street 2, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble and more.

Also in the program are works by up-and-coming artists Kameron N. Saunders, Thom Dancy and Geoff Alexander. Each of these young choreographers has received rave reviews for their dances with The Big Muddy Dance Co.

Southeast received a Missouri Arts Council grant to help underwrite this performance. The Touring Monthly Strategic Grant provides funding to organizations presenting performing artists selected from MAC's Missouri Touring Performers directory. The funds cover the costs associated with presenting artists at public events 50 miles or more from their home base.

The grant will allow Southeast's dance program to host the artistic works of Paula David, artistic director of Big Muddy Dance Co. David was named one of the most influential St. Louisans of 2011, and the company was recently awarded Readers' Choice--Best Local Dance Company by Go! Magazine of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. David and the company will teach one master class for Southeast students and area community members Sept. 6; the class is free to the public.

Tickets are $8 and may be bought at the door. Cash or check will be accepted. Questions about the master class, performance or tickets can be directed to Hilary Peterson at hpeterson@semo.edu or 986-7492.