Contacts: Marlo Welshons, University Libraries, welsh066@umn.edu, (612) 625-9148
Ryan Mathre, University News Service, mathre@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/20/2008) -- An exhibit surveying the evolution of the Minnesota Dance Theatre will open with a program featuring remarks by Lise Houlton and brief preview performance of the company's "Nutcracker Fantasy," to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Elmer L. Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis. "Houlton's Legacy: The Magic of Dance" will run from Dec. 11 through Feb. 20, 2009 in the Elmer L. Andersen Library Gallery.

In 1962, Loyce Houlton founded a small dance school near the University of Minnesota that has since become the Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT). Known for blending classical with contemporary dance, resulting in passionate and theatrical choreography that demands meticulous technique, MDT engages the community and cultivates young dancers. For four decades, the company has performed the "Nutcracker Fantasy," originally choreographed by Houlton and one of the most sought after holiday events in Minnesota.

The exhibit features selections from the University of Minnesota Libraries' Performing Arts Collection and includes personal notes and choreographic sketches from Loyce Houlton, photos of the company, original costumes, props, set designs, and continuous viewing of live performances from the past to the present.

This event is free and open to the public, but reservations for the opening reception are required. Call 612-624-9339 or e-mail stangret@umn.edu for more information.

Refreshments at the opening reception are courtesy of the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries.

Exhibit hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays.