Not FADE Away

The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance presents the annual Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 to 17 in the Valborg Theatre on campus.

Comprised of never-before-seen works, FADE will feature one piece choreographed by faculty member Laurie Atkins, five dances by students and one composition by special guest artist Paul Ibey.

Ticket prices start at $8 for students and are $13 for faculty, staff and seniors, and $15 for the general public. Tickets are available in person at the Valborg Theatre box office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by phone at (828) 262-3063 or at the toll-free number (800) 841-ARTS (2787) and online at http://www.theatre.appstate.edu.

“What makes FADE so wonderful and exciting is the diversity of its program,” said Kira White, sophomore theater education major. “Each piece is so very different from the others.”

Among the dances being produced is an original piece by Atkins that explores tension and flow through the manipulation of fabric, and a work by student Kelsey Gaude exploring how people respond to natural disasters, while searching to find their own true voice.

Guest choreographer Ibey will create a piece titled “Le Martye” in the butoh dance tradition, a form of Japanese contemporary movement. The work is inspired by the life of dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein and the theme of spirituality that runs through her work.

“Le Martye” seeks to evoke the essence of the artist, as well as use the spiritual journey of Rubinstein as an allegory that speaks to all. Violence, sensuality, eroticism, stillness, death and transfiguration are all part of this journey, according to a spokesperson for the event.

Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street. The door faces the back of the Turchin Arts Center on King Street. Parking is available after 5 p.m. on campus in faculty lots, the College Street parking deck near the Belk Library and Information Commons.