Dance prof presents cross-cultural, multimedia concert

A cross-cultural and multimedia dance concert featuring new works by UW–Madison dance professor Jin-Wen Yu will be presented April 30 and May 1-2 at 8 p.m. in the new Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space in Lathrop Hall. Highlights of the concert, entitled Interface, include two new solos choreographed and performed by Yu and a duet with colleague Li Chiao-Ping.

Yu integrates elements of Tai Chi and Chinese opera dance with modern dance in his concert which includes three solos, one duet and three group dances. The works demonstrate powerful images, intricate spatial patterns and dynamic partnering work. The emotionally charged pieces exhibit explosive as well as subtle movements.

Works included are:

The premiere of Water Series, a solo performed by Jin-Wen Yu in collaboration with videographer Wendy Woodson, that draws associations with water images such as floating ice, underwater imagery, raindrops and fish.
Unconcealing, a quintet exploring delicate (Yin) and explosive (Yang) modes of energy with Chinese martial arts fans used as props.
Duet, an intense and dynamic dance performed by Jin-Wen Yu and guest artist Li Chiao-Ping
The premiere of Interface, an experimental work that incorporates use of the Big Eye Sensing System to trigger sounds with movement, space and color.
Drifting, a sensual modern dance with poetic images expressing emotional modes of farewell and longing.
Divining Rod, a soul-searching solo performed by Jin-Wen Yu, combines Chinese opera dance with modern dance.
On The Horse Back, an exuberant group dance full of energetic movement performed to the music of a Chinese folk song.

Tickets — $10 for the general public; $8 for students and seniors — are available at the Wisconsin Union Theater box office (262-2201) and at the door. Free parking is available on concert nights in Lot 20, three blocks west of Lathrop Hall on University Avenue or for $2 at Grainger Hall.

For more information, call the Dance Program at (608) 262-1691 or (608) 262-1640.