A symbol of connection and joining, the ampersand in place of the word “and” for our season theme (“& Dance”) seems an apt visual metaphor for our official joining of theatre and dance at Auburn. An element of typography with loads of personality, the ampersand has intrinsic movement both in its formation and its visual presentation. One might even see the ampersand as an abstract body in motion, as a birdseye view of a movement pattern on the floor, or a vehicle that reaches and connects us to what comes next. Whether focusing on the actual art of dance in its many genres, or the delicate “dance” each of us practices daily to maintain balance between relationships, self care, and the weight of the world, to dance means to move in some way through life in search of connection, meaning, expression – all things the theatre does best. Like the ampersand, dance has a distinctive place in our historical memory, a vital role in our present moment, and endless possibilities for movement forward and beyond. We hope you will join us for this very special season of theatre & dance!