A piece choreographed by Linda Graham, co-artistic director of Aerial Dance Theater and professor of dance at Hope College, won a statewide choreography award on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Lansing.

Graham won the Maggie Allesee New Choreography
Award for "Red Wolf," which she had choreographed for
Aerial. Seven pieces statwide had been nominated for the
honor, which was presented during the Michigan Dance Council
Dance Day and Showcase.

Aerial Dance Theater, a resident contemporary
dance group at Hope College, traveled to Lansing Community
College to participate in the event and to present "Red
Wolf." Graham received the award following the showcase.

"Red Wolf" is an "exploration of the wild that
lives within," Graham said. The piece combines dance with
the physicality and focus of martial arts. According to
Graham, "Red Wolf" captures the spirit of tribal ritual as
the women dancers explore and celebrate their
aggressiveness. The quickening rhythms of Algerian music
produce intensity and urgency in the dancers. Aerial Dance
Theater members Lara Bremer, Brianne Fry, Christine Lutz,
Emily Poel and Amy Vertalka performed the piece.

"Red Wolf" will be performed during Aerial Dance
Theater's upcoming "Family Affair" matinee on Saturday, Oct.
28, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theater,
located at 86 E. 8th St. Tickets will be available at the
door, and will cost $3 for adults with admission free for
children 12 and under. Additional information may be
obtained by calling (616) 395-4950.