Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Presents

TU Dance

One-night-only performance to feature world premiere of new work choreographed by Ronald K. Brown and co-commissioned by the Ordway

ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 22, 2017) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present a one-night-only performance by acclaimed dance company TU Dance on Saturday, April 29, as part of the Ordway’s World Music & Dance Series sponsored by Target®. The evening will feature four pieces, including an all-new work choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, co-commissioned by the Ordway. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket office.

Founded in 2004 by Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, TU Dance has garnered audience and critical acclaim for its diverse repertory, versatile artists and for performances that are engaging, dynamic and generous. Modern dance, classical ballet, African based and urban vernacular movements are combined in inventive and unpredictable ways to provide opportunities to experience the connective power of dance. The TU Dance repertory features original work by Uri Sands, as well as many renowned choreographers.

The special performance will feature an all-new piece, titled “Through This Light,” choreographed by award-winning choreographer Ronald K. Brown. Featuring traditional music recorded by Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba and other world music artists, the work will tell a story of solidarity and perseverance, looking at how one's purpose is often directed by their perspective.

“The choreographic work of Ronald K. Brown is both a gift to perform and to behold. We couldn't be more excited to share his remarkable work with our community," said Pierce-Sands and Sands.

“The Ordway is proud to be co-commissioner of this new work by renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown, and are so very excited for TU Dance to premiere this piece on our stage,” said Dayna Martinez, Ordway’s artistic director of World Music & Dance. “We believe it is our role as a performing arts center to be involved in the development of new dance works, not only to help further dance as an art form, but to continue to give voice to important choreographers like Mr. Brown.”

The program will also include three additional pieces from the TU Dance repertory: “FOOTPRINT” (2015), choreographed by Gioconda Barbuto, in collaboration with the company; “Candle” (2015), choreographed by Kyle Abraham; and “Matter” (2016), choreographed by Uri Sands. All three pieces have received high praise from dance critics since their premieres.

Local and national recognition for TU Dance includes Star Tribune’s Artists of the Year, the inaugural Princess Grace Award in Choreography, DANCE Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” City Pages’ 2011 Artists of the Year, “Best Dance Company 2014” by Minnesota Monthly, and multiple Sage awards for outstanding performance. TU Dance was awarded the 2011 Sally Ordway Irvine Award for Initiative and was recently named as “Best Dance Company of 2016” by the Star Tribune.

The Ordway’s World Music & Dance Series is sponsored by Target. This performance is presented by Sit Investment Associates with additional support from the Patricia A. Mitchell Fund for Dance.

Support to TU Dance for its engagement at the Ordway is provided by the City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Program. The world premiere of “Through This Light” is co-commissioned by the Ordway and the Rosemary and David Good Family Foundation.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ordway.org/event/tu-dance.

RELATED EVENTS

Contemporary Dance Class with Ronald K. Brown
Wednesday, March 29
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
TU Dance Center, 2121 University Ave. W., St. Paul
In anticipation of the TU Dance spring concert at the Ordway, join us for a contemporary dance class with artist in residence Ronald K. Brown Cost is $7 per person and the class is open to ages 12+. All levels welcome. Call 651-224-4222 or visit https://ordway.org/event/ronald-k-brown-contemporary-dance-class to register.

TU Dance Company Showings with artist-in-residence Ronald K. Brown
Thursday, March 30
5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:00 p.m.
TU Dance Center, 2121 University Ave. W., St. Paul
Register by calling 651-282-3170 or visiting https://ordway.org/event/tu-da...

Thursday, April 13
6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
Register by calling 651-282-3170 or visiting https://ordway.org/event/tu-dance-company-showing

Join TU Dance for an informal showing featuring excerpts from the company’s upcoming spring concert program at the Ordway. Free and open to all ages. Pre-registration required.

ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway’s mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. Together with Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.