Iowa State University


Inside Iowa State
Feb. 21, 1997

Barjche '97 explores love

by Dean Fiihr, News Service intern
Love is the theme for Barjche '97. Students, faculty and guest artists take the stage to explore, through dance, love from an array of angles, including atmospheric, idealistic, animalistic and traumatic.

The show is produced by the ISU dance club, Orchesis I.

Barjche (pronounced bar-shay) was started nearly 45 years ago to highlight the dance and choreography skills of students, staff and faculty. The name is derived from four former students, Barbara, Jean, Charlotte and Jean, charter officers of Orchesis I.

Barjche '97 opens with a piece by guest artist Joel Hall, a veteran Chicago choreographer. In this original work for ISU titled "Tribe," 14 students and faculty perform three movements, including a wild dinner party, a duet about love, and jazz. Another guest artist, choreographer Doug Risner, examines relationships in a piece done to a machine-age beat of music. Risner is on the dance faculty at Luther College.

In "Unbound," Barjche artistic director Laurie Sanda layers tap, African and modern dance set to the beat of Japanese Kodo drummers. Dance faculty member Janice Baker interacts with the audience by mixing athletics and rhythmic dance in "The Playing Field."

Romance also is captured through the eyes of students. Jennifer Imparl explores the Mayan civilization and Kimberly Scott shares her balletic vision of ideal love. Student choreographer Sherri Fancsalszki has created a lyrical jazz dance for four women.

As part of Barjche '97, Orchesis I is sponsoring a master class from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in 196 P.E. Building. Attendees will see a preview of the show and receive instruction in some of the movements featured in the performances. The cost of the class is $5.

Barjche '97 performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, March 1, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2. in the Fisher Theater. Admission is $5 and tickets are available from the Iowa State Center Box Office or by calling ISU Dance, 4-3047 or 4-7349.

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Revised 2/19/97