Carolinian

Issue date: 10/31/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: WERNER SANDHAUS/COURTESY UNCG.EDU/DANCE Duane Cyrus.

Cyrus Art Production, an organization directed by UNC Greensboro Dance Department faculty member, Duane Cyrus, will present an eclectic patchwork of dance works on Nov. 3 and 4 in the UNC Greensboro Dance Theatre. Drawing inspiration from his influential time as a dancer in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and the Martha Graham Dance Company, Cyrus has found a voice through dance, music, art, and drama that he hopes will speak to many different cultures and communities.

Incorporating himself, UNCG dance students, and three professional guest artists in the concert, Cyrus juxtaposes a variety of perspectives and experiences to create a homogenous night of work that promises to be a captivating program for any audience to view and appreciate.

When asked specifically about the works in the concert, Cyrus commented first about the stagings of Martha Graham's Lamentation and a classical pas de deux from the ballet Le Corsaire. Performed by guests from the world-renowned American Ballet Theatre and Martha Graham Dance Company, these are vital works in the history of ballet and contemporary dance. Cyrus seemed impassioned about a work entitled The Mask That Grins and Lies that explores the concept of wearing an emotional "mask" in certain situations in our society. This often overlooked perception ultimately inspired an entire piece. Other works presented will include a solo premiere performed by Cyrus that he describes as "challenging" because of its unusual use of text, a fun group work comprised of students set to the music of James Brown, and a recast edition of Atmosphere for Missing You, which was also seen in the North Carolina Dance Festival.

Cyrus describes his ideal dancer as someone who is not afraid of taking emotional and physical risks in the name of their art. His dancers promise to be mentally engaged and unafraid to look what is culturally considered "bad" in their movement. Having no standard for a particular body type, his works are unique simply because each body moves in a fascinatingly singular way, and he, unlike many choreographers, highlights and uses that fact to his advantage.

Cyrus comes from a classical yet broad background. Having studied at the Julliard School, he then went on to perform in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Martha Graham Dance Company, worked in musical theatre, and also co-wrote a book called "Vital Grace: The Black Male Dancer" with Joanne Savio. He consciously traces his educational and performance lineage, giving it some of the credit for his creation of work. Cyrus remains curious about all forms of dance and related studies, and in the upcoming concert, showcases classical and jazzy forms that are not often seen on the UNC Greensboro stage.

When asked what he wants an audience to take from his work, Cyrus says that "art should be accessible to all communities" and that art and entertainment are not mutually exclusive. In the seriousness of a university setting, sometimes what is forgotten is the ability of art to entertain and affect. Cyrus wishes to make the seriousness of dance, particularly contemporary dance, accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of experience or knowledge of the arts.

True devotion to his craft and a down to earth, casual attitude made it easy to understand Duane Cyrus's continued success in many arenas of the dance field. Students at UNCG have described Cyrus's work as "thought provoking," "technically precise," and "interactive". Drawing inspiration from a variety of dance styles, and incorporating provocative theories and intricate choreographic elements, the Cyrus Art Production's concert is guaranteed to both entertain and enlighten.

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