TU Dance

Fri, May 6, 2011, 7:30 PM
Ordway Music Theater

TU Dance, led by Alvin Ailey veterans Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, has quickly become a leading voice in the Minnesota dance scene. Inspired by the depictions of urban life and dance in the paintings of African American artist Ernie Barnes, choreographer Uri Sands brings the movement of Barnes' work from the canvas to the stage in this commissioned World Premiere. Also on the program for TU Dance's Ordway debut are selections from the company's growing repertory. This performance is supported by The Joyce Foundation with a Joyce Award.

Download the performance guide >

Q & A w/ Artistic Directors of TU Dance: Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands >

TU Dance Rehearsal Footage >

Pre & Post Show Events

POST-SHOW PARTY

Join Ordway staff and company members from the World Music and Dance performances for a reception in the Marzitelli Foyer following their performances. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

See more Post-show parties >

ORDWAY EXTRAS AT THE SAINT PAUL CENTRAL LIBRARY, Apr 17

Ordway Extras at the Saint Paul Central Library

Led by artists, community members and/or Ordway staff, community members can expect to learn and engage at these presentations with topics that can cover everything from the social issues surrounding a piece to the technical aspects that turn a performance into an illusionary spectacle. For the first time, these Ordway Extras will take place at the Saint Paul Central Library.

TU Dance Extra - April 17, 2011 at 2:00PM
Saint Paul Central Library
TU Dance Artistic Directors Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands discuss the creation of a newly commissioned work for the company's upcoming Ordway debut. Event attendees will get to see prints from African American artist Ernie Barnes, who was the inspiration behind the work.

AFRO-BRAZILIAN DANCE CLASS WITH TU DANCE, May 3

Afro-Brazilian Dance Class with TU Dance

Tuesday, May 3
6:30 – 8pm
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Drake Room

Please enter through the Stage Door on 5th Street
Attendance is $10 or FREE with a ticket to the TU Dance performance on Fri, May 6.
Space is limited, so please RSVP to Amy Miller at (651)282-3017 or amiller@ordway.org

TU Dance company members, Marciano Silva dos Santos and Debra McGee, will teach an Afro-Brazilian dance class that explores the movements of orixás (Orishas) introduced outside of the sacred space of Candomblé . Elements such as jumps, turns, floor work, and rhythmic sections will be used to work on flexibility and strength. A harmonious relationship between body and sound will allow participants to note the constantly evolving dynamics in relationship to principles such as coordination, relaxation, breathing, and undulation. Afro-Brazilian dance is polycentric movement that builds concentration and has a spiritual focus.