Dance USM! and artistic director Maria Tzianabos' New Dance Studio have a close relationship. Many dancers have crisscrossed their way between her company and the annual Department of Theatre production. The crossover has been so fertile, Tzianabos, teaching above, plans on forming a repertory company comprised mostly of former and current USM students.
Tzianabos is choreographing a piece in this year's show using her New Dance Studio dancers called "Smantha's Dream" featuring music by Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. It tells the story of a WWII sailor separated from his love at home by the war. It includes other women he meets along the way like geishas, Rosie the Riveter and dancing swing kids.
Kate Wyman, (above left with Amanda Swanson, center, and Trish MacDonald) a sociology major and student of Tzianabos, is a veteran Dance USM performer.
"This is like my fifth Dance USM! in a row, I think," says the Brunswick native.
Trained originally in ballet and dancing since she was a child, Wyman says dancing in the modern style where movement isn't always counted, is still a challenge.
"It forces me to think outside of the box," she says. "I'm just like a sponge."
WHEN: December 11, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14,
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151
Kyle Bouchard, a USM alumni, above, plays the part of a WWII sailor away from home. Bouchard says he can't remember how many Dance USM! productions he's been in over the years, but it's been a lot. He can remeber, however, he made his debut in a piece where they needed a hard-to-come-by, guy.
"I was willing to give it a shot," he says.
That led to more dance roles and eventually to meeting Tzianabos. He's been taking classes with her at the New Dance Studio for four years, and now he's a member of the company. But some things haven't changed.
"I'm still the only guy," he points out.
Amanda Swanson, above, earned a B.A. in hispanic studies at USM in 2006. That's where she met Tzianabos and, coming from her native ballet, fell in love with contemporary dance.
"It's something that I love, and something that I've loved for a long time," Swanson says. "Now it's part of my self-care."
WHEN: December 11, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Russell Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus
TICKETS: Students $7, Seniors/Faculty/Staff/Alumni $10, General public $14,
BOX OFFICE: (207) 780-5151
