This tour marks the third time in 15 years that the company has configured itself as an improvisational ensemble of musicians and dancers under Campbell's direction. Designed as a for-credit course to give serious dance students a taste of professional dance life, DCM operates much like a small dance company, developing and touring performance work. After auditions in the fall, an intensive period of rehearsals under the direction of a faculty or guest artist director culminates in on-campus concerts and a short tour. As varied as the company itself, DCM's tours over the last 10 years have taken the group to Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York City. During the long preparation process, members of the company train for their dual roles as composer or choreographer and performer, all the while preparing to demonstrate those roles simultaneously and in full view of their paying audience.
Many rehearsals look more like performance than practice.
4 p.m. Reservations are required for a pre-performance dinner at 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 at Rehearsals Cafe.