Youthful dancers greeted the chairwoman of the National Endowment of the Arts Thursday with exuberant expressions and an ethereal dance at the University of Utah Thursday.
Jane Alexander, who visited two events involving both children and arts Thursday, greeted a young, dark-haired boy in a white leotard sitting in a corner of the Children's Dance Theatre lobby. When asked about Alexander and the excitement surrounding her, Alex Lee knew exactly who she was. "Oh yeah," he said, "she's with the arts.""I think it's neat," Lee continued, "It's a good experience. I hope she likes this place."
In the dance room, Alexander sat in the middle of the crowd. She leaned forward, a small smile on her face, and watched the young dancers prepare.
As the room quieted, a tiny young dancer, not more than 6 years old, introduced the dance, titled "Prayer for the Children."
"Long ago people danced for prayers and for rain," she quietly read. "Now we dance as a celebration of life and our future."
As the music began, Alexander watched intently as an older dancer picked up a child and rocked her to the music. Two other couples repeated the motion. Children of varying ethnicities and ages, about 20 in all, danced the ethereal piece.
As the applause erupted, Alexander said, "It was just beautiful. Thank you."
She asked about the children and when and where they practice.
Mariann Lee, director of the theatre, mentioned that these children, ages 3 to 19, practiced dance for an hour a week, but that they were very involved in other activities. "These kids are in student government, they play the piano and they act. . . ."
"And do their homework," added Alexander.
Alexander rose as a young girl handed her a gift, a Children's Dance Theatre T-shirt. She walked into the middle of the group, talking easily with the young dancers.
"Good work. It was just beautiful, keep it up," Alexander encouraged, walking among the children, posing for a picture. In her cool tan and cream and stocking feet, she blended right in.
Alexander is in town this week for "American Canvas," a public forum on arts and education scheduled Friday at the Salt Palace.