As Artown celebrates its monumental 30th anniversary, the festival is honoring its legacy of bringing transformative arts experiences to the Reno community by collaborating with one of the most iconic names in dance history, the Martha Graham Dance Company, on Jan. 28, at the Pioneer Center in downtown Reno. The event kicks-off with an extraordinary program, featuring a performance of Graham’s experimental work “Panorama” (1935) by dancers from the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno’s Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Liberal Arts.
For the students involved, this collaboration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the world of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking artistry.
“It’s been an amazing experience learning a new technique, as I have never trained in Graham before,” said Lili Brost, one of the participating dancers. “It is quite in-depth and expressive in a way I have never moved before.”
The opportunity to perform such an iconic piece provides these emerging artists with invaluable experience, bridging their academic training and professional aspirations.
Dance major Katarina Hallerbach spoke highly of former Martha Graham Company dancer Elizabeth Auclair who is instructing the students in the technique and setting the work, “I really appreciate how Elizabeth explains the meaning behind each movement in the technique. We’re learning so much more than just the choreography for ‘Panorama.’”
Eve Allen Garza, a teaching associate professor of dance in the Department of Theatre and Dance, highlighted the impact of this experience on the students: "Being immersed in an intensive residency such as this really supports risk-taking and increases the dancers' technical proficiency, particularly as the Graham technique is so powerful and expressive. The added element of performing “Panorama” at the Pioneer Center before the Company takes the stage is not only inspiring but also results in a huge sense of accomplishment."
In addition to this remarkable collaboration, Artown is also introducing its “Choose What You Pay” initiative, with tickets starting at just $5, plus venue fees. This bold step underscores Artown’s dedication to making world-class arts experiences accessible to everyone in the community. All tickets may be purchased on .
As the dancers prepare to take the stage and breathe new life into a piece that shaped the modern dance landscape, the excitement surrounding Artown’s 30th anniversary is palpable. This collaboration is not just a performance; it’s a testament to the vibrant arts culture that defines Reno and an inspiring start to what promises to be an unforgettable festival season.
