Shepherdstown, WV -- Two pre-performance talks, funded by the West Virginia Humanities Council, will take place during the Eighth Annual Goose Route Dance Festival. The talks, given by Washington, DC-based dance and performance scholars Ted Bain and Libby Smigel, are open to the public and free of charge. The first, entitled “Truckers, Presidents, and Debutantes: Re-Imagining Icons,” is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at 2 pm and will examine the role of satire in modern dance and specifically shed light on the choreography that will be presented in the 3pm performance that immediately follows. The second talk, “Embracing Memories, Music, and Places,” takes place on Saturday, July 19 at 2 pm and will look at how dance artists have responded to themes, props, and music throughout the 20th century and will compare examples with the choreography to be performed in the 3 pm show immediately following the talk. Smigel and Bain will use video clips to illustrate their lectures.

The talks are ideal opportunities to learn more about contemporary dance and to put this abstract art form into an academic context. They are designed to assist audience members in better understanding and appreciating the dances being presented during the Festival. Smigel and Bain are active scholars who teach in Washington. Bain is currently researching and writing about the innovative dance group Pilobolus, while Smigel is co-authoring a book on American dance icons.

The talks are presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed do no necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

With performances, classes, family shows, and talks, the Goose Route Dance Festival has something for everyone. For more information and to buy tickets and register for classes, call (304) 876-6751, or visit us at gooseroute.org. Print Add a Comment Back to All Articles