Barjche 2006
February 10-12, 2006
Fisher Theater
Iowa State's modern dance company, Orchesis 1, and modern
dance icon Martha Graham, whose company is recognized as the oldest
modern dance company in the nation, share more than just a passion
for modern dance - both were founded in 1926.
This year Orchesis 1 members are showcasing what 80 years of talent
and dedication to the group can bring to the stage in their annual
production of Barjche 2006.
Since its beginning in 1944, Barjche has evolved from a three student
concert to one involving students and faculty in three departments
- dance, theater and music.
New to Barjche is Orchesis 1 advisor and Barjche's artistic director,
Taryn Packheiser, who is choreographing five dances for the show.
One of Packheiser's dances, Sweet Suite, draws from GAP commercial
styles and mocking samplings of melodies with "slacker"
jargon.
Packheiser is also reworking a Hip Hop piece, Dance Banned, which
is set to the rhythms of a drumline, and will be complimented by pre-show
entertainment featuring the members of Groove, ISU's drumline club.
Guest artist, Leyya Tawil, artistic director of Oakland-based Dance
Elixir has created a new work titled Model T. Model T is a direct
reference to the famous Model T Ford, and dancers play with the assembly
line theme in a lightly representative manner.
"This work comments on conformity, replication and perpetual
work," said Tawil.
The members of Orchesis 1 join together for two purposes - to partake
of the inner satisfaction and mutual stimulation that is received
from working together and from participation in dance as a form of
artistic expression.
Orchesis 1 strives to provide a favorable environment for artistic
growth and for the enjoyment and education of others.
