DIONYSIAN SEA (Finding Grace) (2014)
fixed media score with optional live component (for voice, amplified singing bowl mounted on snare drum and low drum)
Choreographer: Marlene Skog, Assistant Professor of Dance, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Performers: Janelle Bentley, Liz Sexe, Taylor Kiesow, Jade Ortiz, Sarah Schwab, & McKenzie Wisdom
Artists Statement (by Marlene Skog): Dionysian Sea finds grace within a world of conflict. The dance suggests a world that invites chaos and conflict, yet falls to order. The score is inspired by a historical percussion score written in 1938 for modern dance practice. The new score musically bridges the past to the present. The dance, a contemporary ballet, weaves ballet foundation with modernist expressionism, bridging two forms that were disparate dance genres in 1938. The music and dance investigation finds its roots in early 20th Century western dance tradition, creating a new artistic expression in contemporary times. This work was made possible by generous support from the Virginia Henry Horne Fund.
Performance History:
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Marlene Skog is a Choreographer and Assistant Professor of Dance. Skog worked in Sweden where she was awarded The People’s University Cultural Prize, Gosta Knutsson Award, and Nordbanken’s Cultural Award; and choreographed for International Arts Festival Norway, Scandinavian Cultural Conference, International Women’s Convention Uppsala University, official cultural events, historical theater, and folk opera. Skog has directed an international dance company and collaborated with Swedish choreographer Birgit Cullberg. Skog founded Uppsala Dansakademi Sweden, which serves as a major dance center today. She received the Creative Achievement Award from the University of Arizona; is first recipient of the Green Valley Concert Association Fellowship Award; had work performed at King’s Palace Edinburgh Scotland, Uppsala Palace Sweden, American College Dance Festivals, Madison Ballet, World Dance Alliance Vancouver B.C., and RAD Festival Kalamazoo MI. The core of Skog’s work addresses the enduring question of what it means to be human and is purposeful in its strong synthesis of movement, music, and message.