UDT is an auditioned performing ensemble, also known as DANC 399. Auditions are held at the beginning of each fall semester; one of the conditions of acceptance is a full-year commitment to both the class/rehearsals and to all outside performances. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5 during both Fall and Spring. UDT dancers must be enrolled in two concurrent technique classes. UDT dancers are expected to be versatile and learn one, two or more repertory works.
The 2008-09 UDT artistic roster includes work by faculty choreographers Cathleen McCarthy, Ray Tadio, Susan Whipp, and Guest Artist Joel Valentine-Martinez.
UDT is pleased to present the work of Joel Valentine-Martinez, former dancer with Garth Fagan Dance. Joel is currently on the faculty of Northwestern University (Chicago). Joel's work will explore Mexican migration set in either the turn of the century (1900's) or 1950's. The music is the "Latin Playboys" and movement will be modern, west African ( Senegalese) and Mexican folk dance.
UDT performs on-campus in a fully staged dance concert each spring in the McKenna Theater. They also perform in Dance Showcase recitals (Knuth Hall) for a 1:00 performance each semester, and travel to Bay Area high schools and universities.
