The University of Hawai#iat M~noa’s Department of Theatre & Dance is pleased to present "Swoop, Tumble, Fly: The Art of Motion," featuring the rhythms of African fusion dance, the grace of hula set in the Victorian era, and a collaborative piece that takes the dancers to new heights while suspended on ropes. Two diverse modern works round out the program. "Swoop, Tumble, Fly: The Art of Motion" will be performed on the mainstage of UHM’s Kennedy Theatre March 4, 5, 11, 12 at 8:00 p.m., and March 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Audience members should be sure to arrive early not to miss the live African-style drumming that precedes the African fusion piece that opens the concert. Internationally acclaimed African dance specialist Chuck Davis trained the sixteen dancers in a residency last fall. "Illuminating the Spirit," created by Davis, integrates dance and music forms from several African cultures with Davis’ western choreographic sensibility to create a piece characterized by the dancers as "very vigorous, lively and exhausting!"

"Threads," choreographed by dance faculty member Kristi Burns, is a look at the subtleties of courage and fear. A six member ensemble contributed their creativity to this composition that incorporates partnering skills and release techniques.

The next work featured on the program, Victoria Uris’ "Breakers," is a high-spirited romp through the music of Franz Schubert. Guest instructor Odette Blum, Professor Emerita at Ohio State University, is re-staging Uris’ choreography using a cadre of UHM dance students. Blum brings "Breakers" to life from its Labanotation score, a system of symbols used to transcribe movements of the body.

Set in the Hawaiian Monarchy era, "Kumu Honua...Creation" was choreographed by Kumu Hula and Dance M.F.A. candidate Michael Pili Pang. The piece was debuted in a performance with the Honolulu Symphony earlier this season. "Kumu Honua...Creation" is

in the "hula ku’i" style and will be accompanied by Haydn’s classical masterwork, "The Creation."

The finale, "One Flight Up," was created by UHM dance and design faculty in collaboration with student dancers. In this piece, the dancers crawl, fly, spin, ascend and careen through space on ropes creating stunning sculptural and evocative forms.

"Swoop, Tumble, Fly: The Art of Motion" received funding support from the following: Diversity and Equity Initiative ("Breakers"), URC Special Funding for Scholarly and Creative Works ("One Flight Up"), F.I.P.S.E./Federal Institute for Post-Secondary Education Grant through the UH Education Outreach Program in conjunction with ArtBridge America ("Illuminating the Spirit").