Fall for Dance lineup includes well-known piece, 'Psalms'

Faculty, students and guest choreographers are working together to showcase of dance styles -- ballet, modern, jazz and tap -- in the fall edition of one of Southeast Missouri State University's semiannual dance presentations, "Fall for Dance."

Philip Edgecombe, artistic coordinator for the show and dance instructor in Southeast's Department of Theatre and Dance, said the performance will feature impressive choreography by faculty, guest professionals and students.

"Everyone's been working hard for this performance," he said. "We have 35 students who have been giving everything they have. It's even more exciting this year because, in addition to the great pieces of contemporary dance written by the faculty, we're adding an important piece in dance history titled 'Psalms.'"

Edgecombe said "Psalms" is based on Biblical passages and presents 12 mythological characters who feel the world's pain. The piece was originally produced by Jose Limon, one of America's greatest choreographers of dance.

Kelcey Matheny performs during rehearsal for Philip Edgecombe's "The Look," Monday, Nov. 19, in the Bedell Theater on the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus. "The Look," will be performed as part of the Department of Theater and Dance's "Fall for Dance," Nov. 29-Dec. 1. (ADAM VOGLER)

"I was familiar with the work," said Edgecombe, who took classes with the Jose Limon Dance Company in San Francisco.

"Overall, there's a strong religious tone to the piece, and in our production it will end the show. Limon is one of the centerpieces of American dance and choreography, and 'Psalms' is one of his more recognized works. It was most recently performed during the ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics in London," Edgecombe said.

Limon, an émigré from Mexico, was a pioneer in the field of American dance and choreography. He studied art at UCLA and began his dance career in 1929. Upon obtaining American citizenship in 1946, he founded his own dance company and three years later produced what is considered to be his most famous work, "The Moor's Pavane," based on Shakespeare's "Othello." He also created what is known as the "Limon technique," which, according to the Limon Institute, emphasizes the natural rhythms of fall and recovery, and the interplay between weight and weightlessness. Limon continued to be a vital presence on the American dance scene until his death in 1972 at age 64.

"It's an honor to perform one of Limon's most famous pieces here," Edgecombe said. "People who come to the performance will see a heck of a show. They'll get to experience a part of dance and choreography history."

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday thorough Dec. 1 in the Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus, with an afternoon performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 1.

Danielle Albertina performs during rehearsal for Philip Edgecombe's "The Look," Monday, Nov. 19, in the Bedell Theater on the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus. "The Look," will be performed as part of the Department of Theater and Dance's "Fall for Dance," Nov. 29-Dec. 1. (ADAM VOGLER)

Tickets are on sale for $16. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the River Campus box office at 651-2265 or online at rivercampusevents.com. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Want to go?

What: Fall for Dance 2012

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Dec. 1

Where: Bedell Performance Hall

Info: 651-2265, rivercampusevents.com

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO