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April 28, 2006 |
CONCERT DANCE, INC, KICKS OFF THE 2006 RUTH PAGE FESTIVAL OF DANCE AT RAVINIA SEASON
on Thursday, June 1
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March 9, 2006 |
2006 RUTH PAGE AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED
Award To Be Presented June 22, 2006 At The Ravinia Festival |
January 15, 2006 |
25th Anniversary of Choreographer Venetia Stifler Kicks Off The 2006 Ruth Page Dance Series in February
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September 20, 2004 |
Ruth Page Dance Serues Returns to Northeastern Illinois University to Unveil New Auditorium
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April 7, 2004 |
The Ruth Page Dance Series celebrates Ravinias Centennial with a concert honoring Ruth Page
Legendary Dance Pioneer Integral to Ravinia’s Early Years ...
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April 7, 2004 |
The Ruth Page Dance Series presents Concert Dance, Inc at the 2004 Ravinia Festival
June 1 Concert to Feature Dance, Live Music and Visual Art ...
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March 15, 2004 |
The Ruth Page Dance Series announces its second season at the Ravinia Festival highlights to include the one score, one dance project and a program of works inspired ...
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December 10, 2003 |
The fourteenth annual Ruth Page Dance Series announces its 2004 Season
Highlights include concerts at Northeastern Illinois University`s new auditorium ...
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Calendar Listing/Series |
Contact:
Silvino da Silva 773/509-9631
silvino2@earthlink.net
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December 10, 2003 |
THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL RUTH PAGE
DANCE SERIES
ANNOUNCES ITS 2004 SEASON
HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDE CONCERTS AT NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY’S
NEW AUDITORIUM AND A RETURN TO THE RAVINIA FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY-OCTOBER, 2004
CHICAGO - For its 2004 season,
The Ruth Page Dance Series (RPDS) continues its tradition
of offering audiences an exciting variety of dance companies
and performances with concerts in three different locations:
the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Northeastern Illinois
University (NEIU) and the Ravinia Festival. Current plans
include a weekend of full length concerts in NEIU’s
newly renovated auditorium as part of its inaugural season.
Concert Dance, Inc., Instruments of Movement and Luna
Negra Dance Theater are scheduled to perform. Dances commissioned
by the American Composers Forum Project, featuring music
and choreography created in 2003, will highlight the program.
The Ruth Page Dance Series
will also present three weekends of concerts at the Ruth
Page Center for the Arts theater. In March, Mordine &
Company will present its second season of concerts as
part of the series. Included on the program will be a
world premiere by Shirley Mordine and a new work by Michael
Rioux, as mentored by Ms. Mordine. Luna Negra Dance Theater
will present two weekends of concerts in May, featuring
two world premiere works by founder and Artistic Director
Eduardo Vilaro, as well as new works by choreographers
Ginger Farley and Vincente Nebrada.
The Ravinia Festival is
celebrating its centennial this year and the Ruth Page
Series will be there as part of the festivities. Series
Director, Venetia Stifler, has planned a number of premieres,
many inspired by Ruth Page herself. The Ruth Page Award
will also be presented on the Ravinia Pavilion stage in
September.
Two previews of the Ruth
Page Dance Series 2004 season are offered free to the
public: the series is again participating in the City
of Chicago’s Winter Delights “Choreography
Now” festival. Among the companies performing on
that concert at the Ruth Page Center are the Civic Ballet
of Chicago, The Chicago Ballet, Concert Dance, Inc., Luna
Negra Dance Theater, Instruments of Movement, Melissa
Thodos & Dancers and Mordine & Company. A preview
concert will also be held at the NEIU Recital Hall, previewing
works by the choreographers participating in the Ruth
Page Series.
NORTHEASTERN
ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CONCERTS
Wednesday, April
14, 2004 at 7:00 pm
NEIU preview concert
Northeastern Illinois University Recital Hall
5500 North Saint Louis in Chicago
Tickets: FREE, but reservations recommended
Friday and Saturday,
October 22, 23, 2004 at 8pm
NEIU Inaugural Season Celebration
Concert Dance, Inc.
Instruments of Movement
Luna Negra Dance Theater
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
5500 North Saint Louis Avenue in Chicago
Tickets: $20
Discounts available for students, seniors and groups
RUTH
PAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS CONCERTS
Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, March 11, 12, 13, 2004 at 8pm
Sunday March 14, 2004 at 3pm
Mordine & Company
Tickets: $15
Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, May 13**, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 2004 at 8pm
Luna Negra Dance Theater
Tickets: $20/$18.50
** May 13 - Benefit Concert begins at 6pm
Ruth Page Center for the Arts Theater
1016 North Dearborn Parkway in Chicago
Discounts available for students, seniors and groups
RAVINIA
PERFORMANCES
Tuesday, June 1st at 8pm
Concert Dance, Inc.
Bennett•Gordon Hall
Saturday, July
17 at 5:30pm
“Images of Ruth Page”
Bennett•Gordon Hall
The
Ruth Page Award
Friday, September 10 at 8pm
the Pavillion
Additional Ravinia
performance dates to be announced
For information, tickets and reservations for all
Ruth Page Dance Series events:
phone: 312/337-6543 Monday through Friday, between 9am
and 2pm
e-mail: info@ruthpage.org
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Calendar Listing/Series |
Contact:
Silvino da Silva 773/509-9631
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| March
15, 2004 |
THE RUTH PAGE DANCE SERIES ANNOUNCES
ITS SECOND SEASON AT THE RAVINIA FESTIVAL
HIGHLIGHTS
TO INCLUDE THE ONE SCORE, ONE DANCE PROJECT AND
A PROGRAM OF WORKS INSPIRED BY RUTH PAGE
JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 10, 2OO4
CHICAGO - The Ruth
Page Dance Series will present several concerts
and events at the Ravinia Festival this summer. On June
1, 2004 Concert Dance, Inc. will present an evening length-concert
in Bennett•Gordon Hall. The program will feature
choreography by Venetia Stifler, who premiered two works
at Ravinia last summer, including “Aftermath: The
Dance,” to Ned Rorem’s song cycle. Tying in
to Ravinia’s celebration of Antonin Dvorak’s
work upon the centennial of his death, Concert Dance,
Inc. will be presenting a world premiere work with music
by Dvorak. This piece will be part of the One
Score, One Dance project, jointly commissioned
by Ravinia and the Ruth Page Foundation, in which three
separate dance companies each interpret a different Dvorak
score. Deeply Rooted Productions and Luna Negra Dance
Theater will also be participating in the project and
premiering works to music by Dvorak on separate programs
at Ravinia this season. The One Score, One
Dance project will culminate in a concert
at which all three companies bring their works together
in a single post-season performance (date TBA).
The Ruth Page Dance
Series will also present “Images of Ruth,”
a concert of works including several world premieres,
commissioned in honor of Ruth Page’s enormous contributions
to the world of dance and her work at Ravinia. Her ground-breaking
career as a dancer and choreographer will be remembered
and celebrated in original dances by local choreographers
in a special preview concert on July 17 in Bennett Gordon
Hall.
In addition to these
concerts, the 2004 Ruth Page Award will be presented on
stage at the Pavilion prior to the closing night performance
of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. The Ruth Page Award
honors a member or organization of the Chicago dance community,
who, through their work, has uniquely contributed to the
development of dance in Chicago and most reflects the
artistic vision of Ms. Page.
Concert
Dance, Inc.
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 8pm
Bennett•Gordon Hall
Images
of Ruth
Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 5:30pm
Bennett•Gordon Hall
The Ruth
Page Award
Friday, September 10, 2004 at
8pm
the Pavilion
One
Score, One Dance (world
premiere)
date and time TBA
Concert Dance, Inc.
Deeply Rooted Productions
Luna Negra Dance Theater
For ticket information
contact the Ravinia Festival at 847/266-5100 or www.ravinia.org.
For information on all
Ruth Page Dance Series events
phone: 312/337-6543 Monday through Friday, between 9am
and 2pm
e-mail: info@ruthpage.org
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For Immediate Release |
Contact:
Silvino da Silva 773/509-9631
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| April
7, 2004 |
THE RUTH PAGE DANCE SERIES PRESENTS
CONCERT DANCE, INC
AT THE 2004 RAVINIA FESTIVAL
Concert to Feature Dance,
Live Music and Visual Art
June 1, 2004
CHICAGO - The Ruth
Page Dance Series (RPDS) announced plans for
its second season as part of the Ravinia Festival Centennial
Celebration this summer. The series programming will include
a June 1, 2004 performance by Concert Dance, Inc
featuring the work of Artistic Director Venetia Stifler.
From Art Songs to architecture, from high notes to skyscrapers,
and from the overwrought to the heroic, Concert Dance,
Inc will bring live music, dance, original scores, classical
song and visual art to Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon
Hall, works that reflect Stifler’s vision of dance
as a collaborative art form.
On the program will be Songs
and Dances, which explores the musical and poetic
imagery present in classical art songs - from the humorous
and satirical to the poetic and romantic. Performed with
live vocal and piano accompaniment, the piece uses songs
by Rorem, Schubert, Strauss and Pasatieri. Featured as
part of this piece are sections from a larger work that
premiered at the Ravinia Festival last summer: Aftermath:
The Dance performed to Ned Rorem’s song cycle.
Also on the program will be Chicago Sketches,
which explores the rhythmic and spatial dynamics bodies
share with vaulted steel and stone. This work features
not only an original score, but projected images of Chicago’s
architectural landscape by visual artist Frank Vodvarka,
which complement and at times even seem to interact with
Stifler’s dynamic yet sculptural choreography. The
program will also feature Lightmotif, commissioned
by the American Composer’s Forum in 2003, and performed
to an original score by Ron Combs. Lightmotif
weaves singers into the dance imagery in a heroic expression
of hope.
Also planned is a preview
of a world premiere work by Stifler to the music of Antonin
Dvorak and performed by Mikhail Yanovitsky along with
artists from the Steans Institute. This piece is part
of the One Score, One Dance project,
jointly commissioned by Ravinia and the Ruth Page Foundation,
in which three separate dance companies each interpret
a Dvorak score. The One Score, Once Dance
project will culminate in a concert at which all three
companies bring their works together in a single post-season
performance (date TBA).
Why is the live music component
so important to Stifler? “Before electronics, music
performed for dance was always live,” she explains.
“As a choreographer, working with live accompaniment
helps create a deep connection of texture and meaning.
For both dance and music audiences it is a wonderful experience
– each may hear music in a new way when it is combined
with dance live and present in the room. Ravinia is a
perfect venue for the joining of music and dance.”
The Ruth
Page Dance Series at Ravinia
presents
“Images
of Ruth”
Saturday, July 17 at 5:30pm
Bennett Gordon Hall
The Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, Illinois
Tickets: $10 lawn admission or free with Pavilion tickets
For information on all Ruth Page Dance Series events,
please call 312/337-6543
or e-mail info@ruthpage.org
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For Immediate Release |
Contact:
Silvino da Silva 773/509-9631
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| April
7, 2004 |
THE RUTH PAGE DANCE SERIES CELEBRATES
RAVINIAS CENTENNIAL WITH A CONCERT HONORING RUTH PAGE
Legendary Dance Pioneer Integral
to Ravinia’s Early Years
July 17, 2004
CHICAGO - The Ruth
Page Dance Series (RPDS) will present several
concerts and events as part of its second season at the
Ravinia Festival this summer. On July 17, 2004 the series
will present “Images of Ruth,”
a concert of works, including several world premieres,
commissioned in honor of Ruth Page’s enormous contributions
to the world of dance and her work at Ravinia.
The July 17 program will
be presented in Bennett Gordon Hall, and will begin with
an excerpts of Ms. Page’s own choreography which
is being reconstructed specifically for this concert by
Greg Begley. Begley is a former Hubbard Street Dance Company
member and one of the last men to dance under Ruth’s
direction before her death in 1991. Mr. Begley will reconstruct
a section of one of Ms. Page’s Americana pieces,
American Patterns.
Ruth Page’s ground-breaking
career as a dancer and choreographer will be remembered
and celebrated in original dances by local choreographers
as well. Each choreographer will take an image or theme
from the work of Ms. Page and use it as inspiration for
a new work. RPDS Artistic Director, Venetia Stifler, will
explore Ms. Page’s extensive work with opera. Luna
Negra Dance Theater Artistic Director, Eduardo Vilaro,
will be inspired by Carmen, a character Ms. Page
explored repeatedly in her work. Raphaelle Ziemba of Instruments
of Movement has been inspired by the use of masks that
appeared in the work of Ms. Page, specifically from the
dance Tropical. James Morrow, also of Instruments
of Movement, will explore images of Harold Kreutzberg,
a German Expressionist choreographer who partnered Ms.
Page in the 1930's.
Ms. Page is known for setting
the world of dance on fire with her quest for the new
and her refusal to conform to any one style of dance.
She created the first Americana ballets in 1929, and the
first feminist ballet, American Patterns, in
1937. Her choreography was known for its theatrical innovations,
and she used both modern and ballet vocabulary at a time
when only distinctions were being drawn between the two
forms.
Ruth Page also influenced
the growth of theater design, opera ballet and created
dance at the forefront of social, political and artistic
issues. She was the first to commission international
designer Isamu Noguchi for a dance costume in 1934, and
created a West-Indian ballet in 1940 featuring an all
African-American cast (except herself) starring the then
unknown Katherine Dunham and Talley Beatty. Ms. Page was
integral to Ravinia’s earliest seasons. She was
head of the dance program, choreographer for all of the
Ravinia operas, collaborated with the Chicago Symphony
in programs of orchestral music and dance, and presented
her own dance programs in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
The Ruth
Page Dance Series at Ravinia
presents
“Images
of Ruth”
Saturday, July 17 at 5:30pm
Bennett Gordon Hall
The Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, Illinois
Tickets: $10 lawn admission or free with Pavilion tickets
For information on all Ruth Page Dance Series events,
please call 312/337-6543
or e-mail info@ruthpage.org
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Contact: Silvino da Silva 773/248-0039
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| September 20, 2004 |
RUTH PAGE DANCE SERIES RETURNS TO NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY TO UNVEIL NEW AUDITORIUM
Concerts to feature companies in residence at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts
CHICAGO - The Ruth Page Dance Series, currently in its 14th season, returns to Northeastern Illinois University as part of the Inaugural Celebration of Northeastern Illinois University’s (NEIU) new, state-of-the-art, auditorium. The series returns to the NEIU auditorium stage with a Gala showcase celebration of Chicago dance companies on October 22, 23, 2004 at 8pm.
The companies performing in these concerts are in residence at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts: Chicago Ballet, Concert Dance, Inc., Instruments of Movement, Luna Negra Dance Theater and River North Chicago Dance Company. Series Artistic Director Venetia Stifler remarked, “The variety of companies that make up the Ruth Page Foundation community truly reflect Ruth Page’s love of all forms of dance. It seemed only fitting that they should help warm up our new stage and theater as part of the series named in her honor.” NEIU President Salme H. Steinberg commented, “ Northeastern Illinois University is widely recognized for excellence in our fine arts programs. As we reopen our refurbished Auditorium this fall, we are excited to welcome back to our campus the Ruth Page Dance Series. We greatly appreciate our faculty member Venetia Stifler’s efforts in bringing this extraordinary series to Northeastern and the surrounding community.”
The Ruth Page Dance series concerts will feature a variety of styles of dance: from ballet to jazz and contemporary. Live musical accompaniment will also be prominent on the program. Chicago Ballet will be performing excerpts from Artistic Director Paul Abrahamson’s “Passages of the Heart,” choreographed to some of the “Songs without Words” of Felix Mendelssohn. From the tempestuous to the sublime, “Passages” explores the essence of romantic love. Concert Dance, Inc. will present several pieces by Venetia Stifler, including “Shenandoah” and “German Songs,” both of which are performed with live piano and vocal accompaniment. Stifler will also present “Farcicocious” which received its world premiere at the Ravinia Festival this summer. Accompanied by live piano, “Farcicocious” was jointly commissioned by the Ruth Page Foundation and the Ravinia Festival as part of Ravinia’s “ One Score, One Chicago” project. Instruments of Movement will be presenting “Three Mad Figures” choreographed by Raphaelle Ziemba. The work is inspired by images of Ms. Page, and uses props originally created for Ms. Page’s choreography. River North Chicago Dance Company will be performing Chicago favorite Harrison McEldowney’s “5 Easy Lessons.” Full of twists, turns and a late 1950s feel, the dance is for the full company, and performed to music of Sarah Vaughan. While all companies are performing both evenings, the exact programming will vary slightly. Friday night’s concert will feature a duet choreographed by Concert Dance, Inc. member Victor Alexander, and performed by Hedwig Dances.
These performances will be the first full-length evening concerts the series has presented at NEIU since 1998. Returning audience members can expect a completely different theater experience. The new 450-seat theater features a brand new stage space with an orchestra pit, new seats and seating - including reserved seats’ improved sightlines, and dramatic increases in technical capabilities for lighting and sound. The backstage and dressing room areas also have been completely renovated. In addition, the new Auditorium is fully handicapped accessible with a dedicated elevator providing access to various seating levels and performance levels.
It was originally designed by VOA Associates, Inc. in conjunction with Schuler & Schook, Inc.Theater Consultants, and The Talaske Group, Inc. Acoustical Consultants. After viewing the space, Stifler commented, “Many of the artists participating in the series this October will be performing at Northeastern’s auditorium for the first time. Others are excited to be returning -- there isn’t a bad seat in the house. We hope the public is as excited as we are!”
Tickets for the Ruth Page Dance Series concerts on October 22, 23, 2004 at 8pm at NEIU can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com or by contacting the NEIU box office at 773/442-4636 (INFO).
The Ruth Page Dance Series
NEIU Auditorium Inaugural Celebration
Friday and Saturday, October 22, 23, 2004 at 8pm
Featuring:
Chicago Ballet
Concert Dance, Inc.
Instruments of Movement
Luna Negra Dance Theater
River North Dance Chicago
Tickets:
$20 adult
$12.50 students and seniors
$12.50 groups of 10 or more
FREE to NEIU students/faculty and staff with ID
Box office: 773/442-4636 (INFO)
For additional information about all Ruth Page Dance Series events: 312/337-6543
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Contact: Silvino da Silva 312/337-6543 or 773/909-1656
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| January 15, 2006 |
25th Anniversary of Choreographer Venetia Stifler
Kicks Off The 2006 Ruth Page Dance Series in February
The 2006 Season of The Ruth Page Dance Series begins in February with the presentation of Concert Dance, Inc., the official professional dance company of the Ruth Page Foundation, as part of the 25th Anniversary of choreographer and Artistic Director, Venetia Stifler. Often blending live music, dance, original scores, classical song and visual art, Stifler’s choreography is a reflection of her vision of dance as a collaborative art form. Concert Dance, Inc. will be presented February 24, 25 and 26 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn in Chicago. The opening night performance will be part of the City of Chicago’s annual “Winter Delights” arts programming, and is free to the public.
Called a “Tour de Force” by the Chicago Tribune upon the presentation of her first choreographic work in 1981, Fugues, Ms. Stifler has been steadily praised for the dynamic, intricate, and often sculptural movement that is her trademark. For her Anniversary Celebration concert, she will present a program reflecting the breadth and depth of her 25 years as a choreographer and performer.
Highlights of the program: 1981’s Fugues, set to the music of Bach; Etudes, a sensual duet featuring dancer Raphaelle Ziemba and classical guitarist Brian Torosian to the music of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos; a world premiere (as yet untitled) work for four women which explores feminine duality and performed live to a musical collage for classical voice; the Chicago premiere of The Day of The Rope, a re-telling of the story of the Molly Maguires, Irish immigrant activist coal miners of Pennsylvania hanged in 1870, which previewed at the Ravinia Festival last year and premiered in Pennsylvania this past summer, featuring Irish singer Cathy Cowan; and a preview of the Billy Sunday Project – a re-invisioning by Ms. Stifler of one of Ruth Page’s celebrated dances. Billy Sunday tells the story of real-life White Sox baseball player, Billy Sunday, who became a well-known Christian Evangelist in the early 1900s. Also planned is a selection of audience favorites.
Why is the live music component so important to Stifler? “Before electronics, music performed for dance was always live,” she explains. “As a choreographer, working with live accompaniment helps to create a deep connection of texture and meaning. For both dance and music audiences, it is a wonderful experience – each may hear music in a new way when it is combined with dance live and present in the room.”
Other events being scheduled as part of the 2006 Ruth Page Dance Series include a performance of mixed repertoire at Northeastern Illinois University in the spring, and a return to the Ravinia Festival in the summer.
Venetia Stifler & Concert Dance, Inc.
Friday, February 24 at 8 PM
(special “Winter Delights” performance)
Saturday, February 25 at 8 PM
(Gala benefit performance)
Sunday, February 26 at 3 PM
Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 North Dearborn Parkway in Chicago
Tickets:
February 24 – FREE with a phone reservation
February 25* & 26 – $20
(*$50 Gala benefit reception/performance tickets also available)
$15 for groups, students and seniors
Info/Tickets:
312-337-6543 or info@ruthpage.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hi-res jpegs available
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Contact: Silvino da Silva 312-337-6543 or 773-909-1656
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| March 9, 2006 |
2006 RUTH PAGE AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED
Award To Be Presented June 22, 2006 At The Ravinia Festival
CHICAGO - Venetia Stifler, Executive and Artistic Director of The Ruth Page Foundation, and the Ruth Page Award Selection Committee are pleased to announce the recipient for the 2006 Ruth Page Award. The Committee has chosen Billy Siegenfeld, artistic director, principal choreographer, and ensemble performing member of Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, to receive this year's Ruth Page Award.
"Ruth would often say that she was first and foremost a dancer," explains Ms. Stifler. "With that in mind, the Committee felt that with this year's focus on her as a performing artist, Billy really exemplified that spirit because of his vibrant dance artistry, development of a unique dance vocabulary, and the exciting choreography created in that dance technique."
The Award will be given as part of the Ruth Page Festival of Dance held at the Ravinia Festival, and will be presented on stage prior to the performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 8 PM. A private reception will be held for Mr. Siegenfeld prior to the Award presentation.
The Ruth Page Award is given annually to one or two people or organizations, includes a monetary gift, and is a unique opportunity for The Ruth Page Foundation to acknowledge or help further an individual's or organization's artistic momentum. The award also continues the tradition of honoring those in the Chicago dance community whose contributions to dance share Ms. Page's passion, artistry, and vision. Ms. Page was a pioneer in the field of dance, creating fully produced works, choreographing operas and bringing dance to new locations and to new audiences. Ms. Page was also an educator and a benefactor, dedicated to promoting dance in all its forms to a wide audience. She created an internationally recognized dance school and foundation dedicated to excellence in dance training and the support of dance artists. The Ruth Page Award honoree is selected through the Ruth Page Award Selection Committee, composed of members from the Chicago dance community, former Ruth Page Award winners, and Ruth Page Foundation staff. To truly honor Ms. Page, the honoree has to closely embody her spirit.
"I feel honored to receive this year's Ruth Page Award because of the recognition it is also implicitly giving to Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, the nurturing ground for the rhythmic explorations in body and voice I've been doing since 1990 when I started the company," notes Mr. Siegenfeld. "I share this award with those members of JRJP who have put in so many years of work - Jeannie Hill, Kari Knudson Christopher, Kelly Malone Dudley, Glenn Leslie, Brandi Coleman, Huw Gilbert, Jackie Brenner, Sarah Bowen, Jodi Kurtze, and Corey Yarnell Lozier. Their commitment has challenged me both to continue refining the nontraditional rhythm-first pedagogy of Jump Rhythm Jazz Technique, and to continue developing pieces that use emotionally driven body-music to tell stories about the human condition. Since we do this work in a small corner of the dance universe, away from the mainstream of many of the received ideas about the art form, I am feeling especially and deeply moved by this honor."
Established in 1970 by international dance icon Ruth Page (1899-1991), The Ruth Page Foundation is a private operating foundation committed to the education, promotion, and presentation of dance in Chicago. To this end, The Foundation supports a number of vital initiatives in Chicago, among them is the Ruth Page Award.
Emanating from the Illinois heartland, the visionary work of Ruth Page influenced the growth of theater design, opera ballet, and dance. She achieved worldwide recognition as a true pioneer of dance in America, embracing a life of artistic restlessness in which a quest for the new, with a refusal to conform to any one style of dance, became her legacy. From the heartland, she choreographed, danced, toured, and produced in all parts of the world. Ruth was employed by, collaborated with, and employed some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including Irving Berlin, Adolph Bolm, Antoni Clave, Aaron Copland, Sergei Diaghilev, Katherine Dunham, Margot Fonteyn, Harald Kreutzberg, Rudolf Nureyev, Isamu Noguchi, Anna Pavlova, and Bentley Stone to name a handful from an extensive list. Through her life example, she blazed the trail of possibilities that lay ahead for American dance. The Ruth Page Foundation's mission is to promote Ms. Page's vision of dance as an innovative and accessible art form, while fostering and promoting artistic excellence.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hi-res jpegs available
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Contact: Silvino da Silva 312-337-6543 or 773-909-1656
silvino2@earthlink.net
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| April 28, 2006 |
CONCERT DANCE, INC, KICKS OFF THE
2006 RUTH PAGE
FESTIVAL OF DANCE AT RAVINIA SEASON
on
Thursday, June l
The 2006 Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia kicks off the summer season with the return of Concert Dance, Inc. to the Bennett•Gordon Hall stage.
Program highlights include a new preview of Ruth Page's Billy Sunday –a re-envisioning of one of Ruth Page's celebrated dances directed by Artistic Director Venetia Stifler – about the Chicago White Sox pitcher who turned evangelical preacher and became an international celebrity during the early 1920's. The dance was first choreographed in 1946 by Chicago dance icon Ruth Page in her “ballet cartoon” style. Using Ms. Page's music, sets, costumes and narrative, Billy Sunday is re-envisioned for presentation today. The Chicago Sun Times recently called this work “a home run!” A world premiere work by Ms. Stifler as part of Ravinia's One Score, One Chicago project to the music of Schumann will also be presented.
Also on the program will be Fugues, an engaging and high-energy work set to Bach fugues where four male dancers literally bounce off the walls and off each other as they vividly evoke the insane, nonstop, death defying mischief and adolescent goofiness of young men growing up together; Daughters of the Myth, notable for its stunning costume art pieces that symbolize the transformation of these women into sculptures of the angry ice maidens that they become, with live accompaniment by soprano Christina Chakos and pianist Jane Kenas-Heller to the music of Shubert and Dvorak; and The Day of the Rope, a stirring dance that conveys the story of the sometimes violent Irish immigrant group known as the Molly Maguires who fought for labor reforms in 19th century America. The singing of Kathy Cowan, renowned singer of traditional Irish ballads, accompanies the piece and lends a powerful infusion of authenticity.
Venetia Stifler & Concert Dance, Inc.
Thursday, June 1, 2006, 8 PM
Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia
Bennett•Gordon Hall, Ravinia Festival in Highland Park
Tickets: $20
www.ravinia.org • 847-266-5100
Information:
info@ruthpage.org • 312-337=6543
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