Koresh Dance returns: group brings contemporary style to Sewanee, UTC - Feb. 23, 25

Thursday, February 6, 2014

photo Koresh Dance Company
photo Dancer Fang-Ju Chou Gant

The artists of Koresh Dance Company have performed throughout the United States and on stages as far-flung as Spain, Turkey, Israel, South Korea, Mexico and Guatemala. But not since October 2012 have area audiences had an opportunity to see the troupe in action.

That insufficiency is about to be rectified twice over. As part of its 2013-14 performance tour, the company plans back-to-back stops in Sewanee, Tenn., and Chattanooga.

Koresh Dance Company was founded in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer and artistic director Ronen "Roni" Koresh, who quickly established the company's reputation for highly technical and emotionally charged work. Rather than focusing on a single technique, Koresh has defined himself with a signature style of ever-evolving movement, a powerful blend of ballet, modern and jazz dance.

Since forming the company, Koresh has expanded its repertoire to more than 40 works, and he continues to create new programming each year. The company tours extensively, both nationally and internationally, performing works by Koresh and guest choreographers.

Performances by the 10 dancers are said to range from explosive and passionate to intimate and restrained. The finales, said one reviewer, are "typically turbocharged -- because when the dust settles after a Koresh concert, you must leave bedazzled."

IF YOU GO - SEWANEE¦ What: Performance Arts Series featuring Koresh Dance Company.¦ When: 7:30 p.m. CST Sunday, Feb. 23.¦ Where: Guerry Auditorium, University of the South, 735 University Ave., Sewanee, Tenn.¦ Admission: $25 adults, $20 seniors, $10 students.¦ Phone: 931-598-1000.¦ Website: performingarts.sewanee.edu.IF YOU GO - CHATTANOOGA¦ What: Patten Performance featuring Koresh Dance Company.¦ When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.¦ Where: UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St.¦ Admission: $24 adults, $21 seniors, $15 students.¦ Phone: 423-425-4269.¦ Website: www.utc.edu/fine-arts-center.