Chords of Color for a Cause twists and twirls into its summer festival
Updated: June 2, 2010
Gainesville, FL- The University of Florida Performing Arts is partnering with Shands HealthCare and the UF College of Medicine to bring arts and medicine together with the first-ever Chords of Color for a Cause summer festival. The series, designed to raise awareness about cancer, will entertain and educate with a combination of performances and symposiums.
Performing artists from multiple genres, who are cancer survivors themselves or have loved ones affected by cancer, will perform throughout the summer. Artists will also participate in lectures to share their experiences. The Lunch and Learn series will feature medical experts, specialists and cancer survivors, who will educate individuals on cancer research, causes and prevention.
“Our goal was to bring a summer performing arts program to Gainesville that was more than just the performances, but one that have additional meaning and importance,” said Michael Blachly, University of Florida Performing Arts director. “Chords of Color is a festival that will inspire everyone because cancer affects everyone. The chords represent the arts and the colors represent the different types of cancers.”
The first Lunch and Learn took place Wednesday, May 19. Guest speakers Lisa Brown, MS, CGC, UF Shands Cancer Center genetics counselor; Paul Okunieff, MD, chair, UF Department of Radiation Oncology and director, UF Shands Cancer Center and Pascal and Joyce Rioult, founders of RIOULT dance company spoke about hereditary causes and the impact of gynecologic cancers.
Brown informed people about the hereditary causes of ovarian cancer and how genetic testing can help.
Pascal and Joyce Rioult spoke about Joyce’s experience with ovarian cancer and how they used the art of dance to help them through the difficult treatment. The next day their dance company, RIOULT, kicked off the festival with a performance on May 20 at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts. The performance featured several dances including, Prelude to Night, which was created by Pascal after Joyce was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Chords of Color for a Cause will be hosting several more speakers and performers throughout the summer as they strive to create awareness of cancer treatment and research. For more information and a list of festival events, please visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu.