Live Studio Audience and Webcast/Broadcast
Pilot Episode 4 - MARCH 25, 2010 7:30 PM EST
“Music Meets Movement: The Whole Body Experience”
See and Hear:
*the masterminds behind the synchronized movements of the University of Florida’s marching band
*the steps involved in choreographing a new work of modern dance with immersive visualization
*the exciting UF research that is beginning to show that dancing to music can help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
"Music Meets Movement: The Whole Body Experience" will feature Archie "Chip" Birkner who will speak about the challenge and opportunity to elevate The Fightin' Gator Marching Band, known for delivering highly-entertaining half-time presentations during University of Florida football games, to the same level of national reputation and stature as the university. Accomplishing this goal meant constantly working toward being ahead of the curve and keeping the fans in mind, which leads to the question: "What are 90,000 people going to think is entertaining?"
The School of Theatre and Dance faculty Kelly Drummond-Cawthon and Kristin O'Neal will also be highlighted March 25, performing to James Oliverio's visual and musical composition "Smoke | Wire | Rock." This piece was originally commissioned for the Ingenuity Festival in Cleveland, Ohio and is making its UF debut. "Smoke | Wire | Rock" features panoramic imagery created by Atlanta artist Steve Walker and the solo guitar wizardry of Rick "Ace" Burgess.
The episode will also feature Jill Sonke, director of UF's Center for the Arts in Healthcare, speaking about a program launched in spring 2009 especially for Parkinson's disease patients named "Dance for Life." Artists-in-residence from Shands Arts in Medicine, UF dance professors, and UF student dancers lead Parkinson's disease patients in a blend of modern dance and social dance intended to reduce symptoms and enhance well-being.
"Research has suggested that dancing can reduce symptoms and enhance well-being of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease," said Sonke. "Dance for Life not only fits within the mission and goals of the program's partners, but also highlights the benefits of dance for Parkinson's patients."