Memorial for Patricia Tate Scheduled Wednesday

July 21, 2006 -- A memorial for the late Patricia Tate, who taught in the University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance from 1981 until her retirement in 2003, will be held Wednesday, July 26, at 7 p.m. on the Fine Arts Center main stage.

Hosted by the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival and the Department of Theatre and Dance, the memorial will consist of brief remarks by friends and colleagues and will conclude with a video presentation of her work both at UW and with the Colorado Ballet.

Tate founded the Snowy Range Dance Festival in 1995, and her vision was to provide the highest level of professional training for young dancers in Wyoming and surrounding states. While teaching at UW, Tate had a longstanding record of excellence in research and creative endeavors. She choreographed historically-researched original ballets, including productions of "Cattle Kate," "Winter Moons" and "The Secret Garden."

In 1999, Tate received the Wyoming Governor's Arts Award. She directed and choreographed several Department of Theatre and Dance productions, including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Carmina Burana," "Brigadoon" and "Cabaret." She also choreographed many shorter works for community colleges and companies in the area.

"Pat worked very hard to create professional connections for the students in the department," says Assistant Professor Margaret Wilson. "She arranged for several UW dancers to complete internships with Colorado Ballet, and the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival has brought professional dancers, choreographers and teachers to Wyoming for all of the students. Dance students still benefit from Pat’s vision."

Immediately following the memorial, the Snowy Range Dance Festival Student Showcase Concert will begin. For more information about the memorial or the Snowy Range Dance Festival and its concerts, e-mail Wilson at mawilson@uwyo.edu.

Photo

Patricia Tate.

Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006