News Release

The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange will perform "Jump into Something New," at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Shriver Hall Auditorium on The Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

This critically acclaimed dance team ranging in age from 25 to 68 will perform excerpts from works in its repertoire, including "Wild Thing," which premiered at the Smithsonian's Discovery Theatre in November 2002. "Wild Thing" is an original educational performance that shows how to watch a dance and search a story for metaphor and symbol. With more than 50 years of experience performing in schools, the dancers have appeared on stages around the country, including New York's Danspace Project, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland and the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.

Founder and artistic director Liz Lerman was named a 2002 MacArthur Fellow by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The annual MacArthur awards carry a $500,000 stipend over five years for each recipient in recognition and support of creative accomplishment. Lerman, who is known for her pioneering work in choreography and community-building, is one of 24 recipients who have done significant work in the arts, sciences, or academia. Lerman believes the award will allow her to explore new ideas and approaches.

"I'm resolved that this incredible gift make me more bold, not less bold, in the future," she says.

This performance is part of the Wednesday Noon Series presented by the Johns Hopkins University Office of Special Events, now in its 37th season of cultural programming on the Homewood campus. This event is co-sponsored by the Homewood Arts Program and admission is free. For further information, call the Office of Special Events at 410-516-7157.