FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 13, 2003
CONTACT: Carol Anderson
carol.anderson@emich.edu
734.487.4400

EMU Students to Perform at Dance Conference, Oct. 16

YPSILANTI - Barbie, one of the most recognized dolls in the world, was the inspiration for the dance “Interfuse,” that six students from Eastern Michigan University will perform Oct. 16 at the National Dance Education Organization Conference (NDEO) in Albuquerque, N.M.

“Using imagery of the Barbie doll as a springboard, the dance I’ve choreographed explores the interfusion of cultural influences upon young women and, reciprocally, women’s influence and transformation of traditional cultural norms,” said Joann McNamara, professor of dance, EMU Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The modern dance performed by the students was selected by a panel of dance artists to be presented at the conference, said McNamara, who described the music as a haunting collage of sounds. McNamara will also be presenting a workshop,

“Variations on a Theme: Teaching Dance History Thematically,” at the NDEO conference.

The NDEO is an autonomous, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting standards of excellence in dance education.

The student dancers, their hometowns and majors are:

• Tia Garcia of Dowling is a dance major.
• Amanda Iannitti of Cincinnati, Ohio, is an art management and dance major.
• Kristin Frak of Marquette is a dance major.
• Erin Quellhorst of New Bremen, Ohio, is a dance performance and music therapy major.
• Lily Elgincolin of Lathrup Village is a communications major, dance and biology minor.
• Lauren Sabo of Redford is an elementary education major and dance minor.

The stage manager and rehearsal director is EMU senior and dance major Amanda Melzak of Toledo, Ohio.
For additional information, contact Joann McNamara, 734.487.0090.

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