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Since its 1964 founding, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company has enriched the Utah community through dance and education. Its goal has been to make dance accessible to everyone. "The arts enrich our lives and encourage us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the humanities," said semiretired cofounder Joan Woodbury.

Now in its 52nd season, Ririe-Woodbury continues to challenge convention with its lineup of groundbreaking performances. The dance company is especially excited to kick-off 2016 with Illusions, a show that delivers a full night of works by the American master of postmodern dance – Alwin Nikolais.

Illusions was created by revolutionary choreographer Alwin Nikolais, "The Company is so fortunate to be able to continue the great legacy of Alwin Nikolais by performing his engaging, provocative and ground-breaking work." says Artistic Director Daniel Charon "Mr. Nikolais was an innovative artist who reimagined what dance could be by incorporating a variety of multi-media components into his work––the first choreographer to do this." Daniel continues "This sense of purpose and desire to innovate continues to inspire the Company as we move forward––both Nikolais' work and the commissions that we do push boundaries and take people to surprising places within their own imaginations. His artistic use of multi-media technology also gives context to the vast array of multimedia interaction that exists today."

Illusions will offer Utah audiences two distinct viewing options. It's evening performances (Jan 29 & 30 @ 7:30pm) will feature the full breadth and impact of some of Alwin Nikolais' most provocative works (Crucible, Tensile Involvement, Gallery, and Mechanical Organ); and a Family Matinee experience (Jan 30 @ 2:00pm) – both in the fully produced immersive setting of the Capitol Theatre.

Although Illusions is created for an adult audience, Ririe-Woodbury has developed a unique Family Matinee experience tailored especially for children and families. It includes a condensed program with curated content – perfect for the viewing enjoyment of children and parents alike. This family centric performance welcomes children of all ages to a fun filled afternoon with snacks, photo-op with the dancers, and a wiggle friendly performance full of lights, sounds, and excitement.

"The Illusion Family Matinee is magical," said Joan Woodbury. "It brings the audience into a world of total fantasy and wonderful whimsy through motion, sights, sounds and colors."

"Both viewing options take audiences on an incredibly gorgeous experience." said Executive Director Jena Woodbury "We encourage families to come experience a professional dance company in the beautiful setting of the Capitol Theatre, and we encourage dance enthusiasts to join us for the powerful full length evening performances."

Welcoming children to their performances is nothing new for Ririe-Woodbury. Since its beginning days, the dance company has upheld a tradition of educating children about the role of art and dance in our lives and communities.

"The arts enrich our lives, they make us more human," says Joan Woodbury "They are a necessity for everyone and must start with the child if we are to be able as adults to live fully rewarding and charitable lives."

Beyond welcoming children to their performances, Ririe-Woodbury allocates nearly 24 weeks per year to educate Utah's students. "Activities include everything from school matinees in a theater setting to performance demonstrations, creative movement classes in the schools, to parent/child workshops," said Joan "We want children to be excited about dance and art."

With the strength of its history, the vision of its founders, and the extraordinary ability of its management, staff, dancers, and board, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company continues to be a force of innovation in contemporary dance throughout the city—and world.

Illusions // Capitol Theatre, 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

FRI January 29, 2016 @ 7:30PM

SAT January 30, 2016 @ 7:30PM

Single Ticket: $35 / day of show $40

Seniors/Students: $15

Artix.org / 801-355-ARTS

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SAT January 30, 2016 @ 2:00PM – Family Matinee

Single Ticket: $10

Family Pass (5 tickets): $45

http://www.ririewoodbury.com or call 801.297.4213