Acclaimed Dancers in Reynolds

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body."

This is how Martha Graham, a pioneer in American modern dance, described her passion for dancing.

The Martha Graham Dance Company will be on campus tonight to open the Night Out series of Public Appearances at Reynolds Performance Hall. Music will be performed by the Conway Symphony Orchestra. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Modern Dance is different from any other type of dance because of its abstractness. It uses a mixture of ballet, interpretative techniques and an appeal to emotion through music and movements instead of a standardized form of dance. Tonight's program includes the contemporary dance masterpieces  "Prelude & Revolt,"  "Diversion of Angels,"  "Lamentation Variations" and "Appalachian Spring."

The Martha Graham Dance Company was established in 1926 by Graham and has performed in more than 50 countries. She received the highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from then-President Gerald Ford and was the first dancer to perform at the White House.

"This is unique because Martha Graham was the first to originate American modern dance," said Catherine Marhenke, director of marketing and development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. "Because we have such a wonderful local orchestra we were able to engage the Conway Symphony Orchestra as well. All this dance was meant to be performed with live music."

Tickets are $30-$40 for adults, $27-$37 for senior citizens, $25-35 for UCA alumni, $28-$33 for UCA faculty and staff, and $10 for all students. They are available at the ticket box office.

Here's a sample of what you can expect to see tonight.

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