University Dance Company Presents Spring Performance

Posted by: admin on April 13, 2016, No Comments

The spring 2016 performance of the University Dance Company will take place at ESU in the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m.

This semi-annual performance will highlight the talents of students, faculty members and guest artists. A variety of choreographic styles and dance pieces will include contemporary, modern, jazz and hip-hop.

The choreographers include Elizabeth Gibbons, Ph.D., professor of physical education, dance program coordinator and artistic director; Maria Triano, senior guest artist, and president of the Pennsylvania Dance Network, Inc. in Analomink, Pa., and guest artists Jessica Batha of Adora in Bangor, Pa., and Abby Slater of Symmetry Studio in Scranton, Pa.

Emotional Amendment is a trio choreographed by Jessica Batha depicting the rainbow spectrum of emotions associated with sadness followed by acceptance and then overcoming them. The dance demonstrates that all feelings are just visitors for us to process and release.

Short Stories is a dance including all members of the company and was directed by Dr. Gibbons and created by the students. It features individual solos and group work. It tells a story of individual lives and how they all fold together as one. Gibbons received her inspiration for this year’s theme after reading a book composed of short stories that all shared one theme.

“Each segment will take the audience outside of themselves and into someone else’s brain,” said Gibbons. “Everyone has a story to tell.”

Safe Soul Star is a new work created by Maria Triano.  This lyrical-modern trio tells the story of opening up and connecting to one’s true self, as well as, the process of self-reflection and growth that it takes to become aware of the safety and joy that lives in one’s soul.

Student choreographers include Jen Jordan, a junior majoring in recreation services management with a dance minor; Enouement by Alex Misurella, a senior theatre major; Cassie Dech, sophomore psychology major; Kelsie Lockley, sophomore athletic training major; Yadira Dejesus, senior early childhood education major with dance minor; Tyree Scott, sophomore philosophy major.

Both performances are open to the general public. Saturday’s performance features children from the Community Dance Program. There will also be a bake sale at the performances to support the company. Tickets are available for purchase at www.esu.edu/dance. Tickets are also available at the door.

Ticket prices are $5 for children, students and senior citizens and $10 for adults.

For more information about this event contact Dr. Gibbons at 570-422-3331 or egibbons@esu.edu