Experience movement in its most glorious form when the acclaimed Pilobolus dance theatre returns to Fairfield University for two shows on Friday, March 23, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 24, at 8 p.m., in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. A major American dance company, Pilobolus is recognized for its innovative works and varied repertories combining a startling mix of humor and invention. The Quick Center will serve as co-commissioner for a new piece, "Tsu-ku-tsu," with music by Leonard Eto, to be performed during their appearance here.

Since its remarkable emergence from a Dartmouth College dance class in 1971, Pilobolus has been forging a new vision of modern dance. It takes it name from a phototropic zygomycete, a sun-loving fungus, only one-quarter inch tall, that grows in barnyards and pastures and is so feisty that it can throw its spores nearly eight feet. Like its name, it is a highly unusual dance company, now in its 31st year of evolution.

Pilobolus, a deeply collaborative effort boasting four artistic directors and six dancers, is a completely self-sufficient organization with its members choreographing, dancing, managing and publicizing its own programs. The physical vocabularies of its works are not drawn from the long traditions of codified dance movement but are invented, emerging from intense periods of improvisation and creative play.

The company has grown, expanding and refining its unusual methods to produce a body of more than 70 choreographic works; and, while it has become a stable and influential force in the world of dance, Pilobolus remains as variable and surprising as ever. Its three decades of creating dances now stand as testament to the company's position as an artistic collective of remarkable fruitfulness and longevity.

Pilobolus is based in rural Washington Depot, Connecticut, but performs all over the world. Its works are represented in the repertoires of several major dance companies including: the Joffrey, Feld, Ohio, Hartford and Arizona Ballets in the United States as well as many in Europe. The company is the recipient of many prestigious honors: the Berlin's Critic's Prize, the Brandeis Award and a 1997 Primetime Emmy Award.

Tickets to Pilobolus are $38, $33 and $28 with discounts available for seniors, students and groups. For more information call (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

Posted On: 02-11-2001 09:02 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 146