PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release Contacts:
February 26, 2003 Deborah Reshotko, Artistic Director Esther Gross, Program Director
303-722-0902
TENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON DANCE CONCERTS:
Denver-based modern dance company presents “The Human Animal-A Celebration”

Denver, Colorado — SPEAKING OF DANCE is pleased to present “The Human Animal -- A Celebration” on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 2003. SOD is excited to be celebrating our tenth anniversary season (1993-2003). The concerts will be held at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2003. Tickets are $5. For more information, please call 303-722-0902. For ticket reservations, please call 303-987-7845 or order tickets on-line www.lakewood.org.

SPEAKING OF DANCE will premiere "Carnival of the Animals," a whimsical dance set to Camille Saint-Saens’ musical score of the same title. The dance features six SOD dancers and is presented in a carnival atmosphere with a conjurer who magically and metaphorically introduces each of the fourteen dance sections. The conjurer dances through with a shining piece of silk that transforms into an aquarium; he races with a "tortoise"; he opens an umbrella and a carnival menagerie appears. The five remaining dancers perform a myriad of roles, switching from kangaroos to elephants to delicate songbirds according to the demands of the musical score. With costumes and props by Janetta Pahel and Greg McGuan, the dance is a delight to behold.
SOD will also present a duet titled "Race Against Time," a duet for Deborah Reshotko and William Starn, set to original music by Jon Stubbs. This dance is a response to the intensely fast and competitive society we inhabit. Ms. Reshotko will also include her 1991 solo "A Dance to the Bunny Spirit You Released When I Ran You Over With My Car." This dance began as a short eulogy to a rabbit that she accidentally hit while driving. As she worked on the dance, the U.S. prepared for the Gulf War, and Deborah's reactions to the situation entered into the choreography. She feels a strong need to re-examine this dance and present it, given the current political climate. To finish the performance, SOD will present a “community finale” in which dozens of people who have danced in our professional and/or community concerts over the last ten years will appear. The concert is sure to charm audiences of all ages.

In an innovative move, SOD has decided to reduce our ticket prices this year to $5.00 per ticket, in order to make this concert accessible to all in this difficult economy.

SPEAKING OF DANCE is thrilled to be working with a talented team of design collaborators and performers. Sheree Goecke is lighting the performance. All choreography is by SOD Artistic Director Deborah Reshotko. There will be a talk-back session after the performances with Deborah Reshotko as well as the dancers and designers. Performing are Brie Anderson-Feldman, Mande Broderick, Tamara Freund, Gino Proctor, Marcus Ramirez, Deborah Reshotko, Becky Sievers, and William Starn.

Support for these concerts is provided in part by the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Denver Ballet Guild, the City and County of Denver, and Zupkus and Angell, Attorneys.