EUGENE–Eight undergraduate and three graduate students in the University of Oregon Department of Dance, drawing choreographic inspiration from sources ranging from swing music and Asian cultures to Einstein’s theories and Shakespeare, will present 11 original dances May 13—15 during the annual Spring Student Dance Concert.

Performances of "Momentum" will begin at 8 p.m. each evening in the Dougherty Dance Theatre on the third floor of Gerlinger Annex, 1484 University St.

Among the five senior projects that will debut in "Momentum" is "Casio’s Colors" by Sara Jarrett of Merlin. Using the image of a pinball machine to construct the piece, she discovered how external impulses direct movement phrases.

The other four senior projects were inspired by the literary works of contemporary and historic writers.

Author Toni Morrison’s work sparked the creation of "The Body She Inhabits" by Cari Cunningham of Gold Hill. This dance, about identity, femininity and absences, is part of Cunningham’s thesis for the university’s Robert D. Clark Honor’s College.

"Ophelia Finales," by Paige McKinney of Juneau, Alaska, is a duet which explores the relationship between Gertrude and Ophelia, the two female characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Sparrow Hall of Galisteo, N.M., will perform her solo, "Wake." Based on the words of Mark Strand, Hall’s piece focuses on finding an individual voice and developing personal strength.

International student Pei-Yi Cheng of Taoyuan, Taiwan, developed her quartet "Descendent" by interpreting English and Chinese writing about four Asian female archetypes.

The other choreographers contributing to the show are graduate students Nichole Spates of Marietta, Ga.; Sharon Raffony of Long Island, N.Y.; and Glenna Blessing of Swoyersville, Pa.; seniors Sarah Beth Smith of Eugene and Emily Russell of Escalon, Calif.; and junior Sarah Baker of Coos Bay. The show is produced entirely by students with faculty advisement.

Tickets are $3 for general admission and will be available at the door at 7 p.m. prior to each performance. Seating will begin at 7:30 p.m. Due to renovations, seating is limited.

For further information, call (541) 346-3386, or call GuardLine from a Touch Tone phone,
485-2000, ext. 2533, for a 24-hour taped message about dance and other School of Music events.

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