UA Dancers Honor an Artistic Giant in NY
In Manhattan, 10 dancers performed one of Mexico-born José Limón's acclaimed masterworks, "The Unsung," which also is part of the current "Premium Blend" show on campus.

By La Monica Everett-Haynes, University Relations - Communications
Nov. 2, 2015

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"It is physically and mentally challenging to do such a modern dance masterpiece," UA modern dance professor Douglas Nielsen said.
"It is physically and mentally challenging to do such a modern dance masterpiece," UA modern dance professor Douglas Nielsen said. (Photo: Ed Flores Photography)


Captivated by the caliber and the uniqueness of the University of Arizona's dance program, the artistic director of the Limón Dance Company in New York City invited a group of UA dancers to perform in a commemorative event honoring the legacy of famed choreographer José Limón.

The invitation, extended by artistic director Carla Maxwell after the Limón company performed at Centennial Hall, was three years in the making.

At the Joyce Theater in New York on Oct. 24 and 25, 10 UA dancers performed one of the Mexican-born Limón's acclaimed masterworks, "The Unsung," a powerful work presented in silence and largely representing American Indian lore. The performance was held during the José Limón International Dance Festival, marking the 70-year anniversary of the dance company founded by Limón, an influencer of modern technique and choreography.

The New York cast of UA students, along with 10 others, is performing an homage to Limón with an encore "The Unsung" as part of the UA School of Dance's "Premium Blend." The production, which opened Saturday and extends through Nov. 8, kicks off the UA's dance season and is a showcase of student and faculty work.

"'The Unsung' was chosen for many reasons: We have the men to do it — eight men at a time," said modern dance professor Douglas Nielsen, who, along with associate professor of dance Amy Ernst, rehearsed and accompanied the UA dancers on the trip to Manhattan. UA College of Fine Arts Dean Jory Hancock — along with several donors who had funded the tour — also was in New York for the festival.

"It is physically and mentally challenging to do such a modern dance masterpiece," Nielsen said. "The dance is performed in silence — a rare 30-minute event for an audience to experience."

One of the performers, Kevyn R. Butler, has received numerous other notable invitations, including performances during the events commemorating the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march in Alabama and during the Black Life Matters Conference earlier this year. It was "very special" to visit New York and to perform Limón's work, he said.

"Performing at the Joyce Theater as a representation for my School of Dance is a great honor because not only do I now have the pleasure of placing this opportunity on my resumé, but I also have the ability to showcase myself as a professional dancer," said Butler, a School of Dance senior.

Other UA dance students involved were: Elliott Trahan, Jack Halbert, Daniel Gilmore, Zachary Birdwell, Alan Gonzalez, Omar Rivera, Mitchell McCroskey, Drew Travis Robinson and John Alexander McBride.

Gonzalez said the New York experience was full of hard work, and that it helped to bring humility and more passion to his work.

"The rehearsal process built up a strong sense of confidence in myself, and has affected the way I interpret and perceive dance," he said.

"The opportunity to be a part of this cast of amazing dancers has contributed to an overall higher level of commitment to what we, as a group, are expressing to the audience. It is not only a series of steps that we are performing, but a whole meaning of life and vulnerability." 

Trahan said that while he was not aware of Limón's work, he gained quite a bit of knowledge "stylistically and technically" by being part of the experience.

"Not only is it incredible to have this opportunity my first year at UA, but this trip is also my first time ever in New York, which is one of the cities I'd like to live in after graduating," said Trahan, a freshman who aspires to a career as a dancer on Broadway.

For Butler, Limón's work has been an inspiration.

While rehearsing, he was especially drawn to and challenged by the process of "The Unsung," which is meant to be performed by an all-male cast. This mirrors well with a unique quality of the UA dance program, which has a strong reputation for recruiting and graduating male performers. Today, the program has 50 men enrolled as dance majors.

"The level of difficulty not only in the steps but in the aspect of being in silence for 30 minutes is a challenge," Butler said. "Finding ways to not only get, keep and engage someone's attention for a long period of time with no music is something different from the average day-to-day experience."

Butler said it is important to find training and performance spaces that provide inspiration and opportunities for growth. That is what he has found at the UA.

"Often times we as artists often know what we like to do and what we would like to attain. I wanted to be better at everything I could, so the University of Arizona was a great fit for me," said Butler, who will begin auditioning for companies, fellowships and choreographers in December. "Also, I would say to ask for help. There are so many resources for male dancers, and dancers in general, and people can introduce you to things you never would have known about."

Extra info

What

'Premium Blend'

Where

UA Stevie Eller Dance Theatre

When

Through Sunday, Nov. 8

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to dance.arizona.edu.

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Resources for the media

Douglas R. Nielsen

UA School of Dance

520-626-5553

dnielsen@email.arizona.edu