Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan will take to the stage tonight as she narrates "A Sense of Place" for a Martha Graham Dance Company ballet performance at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The text is a compilation of letters between choreographer Martha Graham and composer Aaron Copland as they worked on "Appalachian Spring," a piece that attempts to capture the American spirit.
Michael Blachly, UF director of performing arts, and Janet Eilber, of the dance company, brainstormed to think of a local who exemplified the spirit of the piece, Blachly said.
They came up with Hanrahan.
"Because of her leadership role in the community, because of a woman being mayor," Blachly said, "she embodies that individual role."
Hanrahan said she was honored to be noted as a female leader and hopes she can be a role model to young girls."I think through seeing me as mayor they get a sense of their own opportunities," she said.
The narration will be followed by performances of three ballets: "Appalachian Spring," "Diversion of Angels" and "Sketches from 'Chronicle.'"
Hanrahan said she has not been on stage since high school, when she was in the drama club.
"I guess what I do is sort of like being on a stage," she said.
