UNC Asheville students rehearse for "Perspectives: Concert Dance in a Happening Format"

When attending a dance concert, audience members might bring a pocketful of mints to quiet scratchy throats or even a camera to snap photos of the performers, but bring their own music?

UNC Asheville's Dance Program is asking just that of their audience. The performance, "Perspectives: Concert Dance in a Happening Format," is truly cutting edge. Audience members will be asked to listen to free music downloads on their ipods, MP3 players or other portable music players to fully experience the show. The concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Friday, April 20, in UNC Asheville's Justice Center. The event is open to the public; tickets are required. A $5 donation will be suggested at the door to benefit the Dance Program.

"This is going to be an unconventional concert," said Connie Schrader, UNC Asheville Dance Program Director. "The audience should expect something other than 90 minutes sitting in a darkened theatre. This show goes out on a limb because everything is in view, everything and everyone is part of the show. And, eight different pieces will be going on simultaneously – though not in competing visual fields."

Upon arrival, the audience will be divided into groups and led through the concert. Audience members will listen to the concert soundtrack on their own portable music devices, while viewing performances throughout the Justice Center – on the track outside the building and inside on the walking track and basketball and racquetball courts. Some 85 UNC Asheville students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as eight Warren Wilson College students will perform pieces ranging from break dancing and belly dancing to ballet and jazz.

"Some pieces are meant to be seen from above, some from below, some from afar and some very close and personal," said Schrader.

Those who wish to fully experience the performance will need to obtain the music soundtrack and download it to their ipod or other MP3 player prior the show. Free CDs with downloadable concert music will be available at UNC Asheville's Box Office, main floor of the Highsmith University Union from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays. Audience members can also e-mail Schrader at cschrade@unca.edu  to request access to the soundtrack online. Guests who do not bring their own music players will still be able to hear the scores to a number of dances. Guests may pick up their tickets when they pick up their CD or reserve their tickets when they e-mail Schrader.

For more information, call Schrader at 828/232-5652.