Alchemy (2002)

Alchemy was performed May 24th and 25th, 2002 at the Wisconsin Union Theater, Madison, WI.

Shadow
Morphing
Reaching for Deucalion
Harmonic Motion
Superheroes
Sandihya
Vertigo's Dream
OuroBoros
Araber Tanz
Opus Contra Naturam
Tangle
Flamel
Press Release

Note: All photos by Jim Wildeman

Shadow by Jennifer White and Rebecca Bock

Morphing by Ken Loud

Reaching for Deucalion by Patrick Crean

Harmonic Motion by Ken Loud

Superheroes by Amy Bethel

Sandihya by Jennifer White

Vertigo's Dream by Jennifer White

OuroBoros by Marcia Miquelon and Amy Bethel

Araber Tanz by Sandy Thistle and Lisa Wilber

Opus Contra Naturam by Patrick Crean

Tangle by Linda DiRaimondo, Angela Richardson, Jennifer Ruef and Lisa Wilber

Flamel portrayed by Brandon Vance

Press Release

Cycropia Aerial Dance to Present “Alchemy”, May 24 and 25, 2002.

For two nights in late May, the Wisconsin Union Theater will be transformed by Cycropia Aerial Dance’s unique blend of chemistry, physics and magic. Featuring trapeze, Spanish web and other aerial apparatus, “Alchemy” promises to delight and entertain with moments of midair whimsy and visions of ethereal grace. Performances are Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 25 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets ($15 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under) are on sale at Star Liquor, Magic Mill, Whole Foods and the Union Theater box office. To order tickets by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check made out to Cycropia Aerial Dance to Cycropia Tickets, 3121 Emmet St. Madison, WI 53704. For more information, call 249-4200.

The associations evoked by the ancient study of Alchemy--transmutation, shape-shifting, the spinning of dross into gold and the search for the elixir of life--have provided Cycropia with a rich context into which to weave eleven works of aerial choreography. These works are a result of experimentation with new apparatus, such as elastic rope and rope-and-harness rigs, and thematic explorations using the troupe’s signature low-flying trapezes. Expect to see strong bodies descending from the heights, hovering in ether, and morphing in mesmerizing circular patterns.

Since its inception in 1989 as a dance collective focused on teaching, exploring and performing aerial dance, Cycropia has become a beloved Madison institution. Annually, the company hangs its trapezes in a majestic oak tree and performs for capacity crowds at the Orton Park festival. Recent appearances also include First Night in Rockford, Illinois (2001), Fiesta Hispana (2001), and Ballet Madison’s “Performing Artist’s Spotlight” (2000). In fall of 2001, Cycropia hosted the Madison Improvisational Dance Festival, a four-day event featuring guest artists, low-cost workshops and site-specific performances aimed at community participation.

One of a small but growing number of dance troupes worldwide who use suspended apparatus to bring their choreography into the vertical dimension, Cycropia’s eclectic blending of dance and circus forms evokes images of childlike joy and seemingly effortless strength. “They are like gymnasts, figure-skaters, ballet dancers, martial arts masters, acrobats and skydivers all rolled into one,” claims Isthmus reviewer Sara Freeman. With movement backgrounds ranging from modern dance to yoga to carpentry, Cycropia distinguishes itself not only by its unique art form, but also by its collective structure and its emphasis on community building. Cycropia’s alchemists are concocting a memorable performance, and will send their audience home on May 24 and 25 with memories of purest gold.

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