An original theater/dance performance, Pricipice is my "Thesis project for the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee's Dance Program. The idea began germinating in Marcia Parsons Literature & Bibliography class while beginning my graduate studies at the UW Milwaukee, three years ago. The Graduate Dance program juided me tho explore various forms of movement, inprovisation, composition, and modern dance which all expanded my existing knowledge of ballet and musical theater toward a project where I could bring all these facets together. At the heart of Precipice is the life and madness of Vaslav Nijinsky, 1889 - 1950. He was an innovative and charismatic star dancer & choreographer of the Ballet Russe from 1909 - 1920. (You could see him as a combination of Baryrishnikov & Nureyev with a dose of Forest Gump.) This project explores the eccentricities of creative personalities & outlier that may represent different personalities of Nijinsky - those that exist on both ends of the spectrum where what we define as normal exists in the middle. It is also a combination of various choreographic projects that Cindy Severt and I have created over the past two years, and a collaborative effort amongst the cast. Vaslav Nijinsky has haunted my performing career as a dancer, so fitting is this journey which represents a possible therapy as well as evolution of the legacy of Nijinsky and the afterlife of Nijinsky.

Special thanks to my family and the families of the performers for allowing our adventure that demands so much... much thanks for their love & support.

And more thanks to: The Bartell Theatre Staff, Robin Finfara, and Photo BOB.

Doug Mackie is a Choreographer and professional Dancer from the West Coast who now lives in Platteville, Wisconsin and choreographs for many groups in Dubuque, Platteville, Lancaster and Madison.