ESU’s University Dance Company Presents Spring Performance

Members of the University Dance Company at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania will be on their toes this month for their spring performance, which debuts at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts.

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; guest artist, Jessica Batha from Bangor, Pa., and senior guest artist, Maria Triano, President of PA Dance Network in Analomink, Pa.

Each of the dances tells a different story.

Wait!, choreographed by Batha, is a coming of age piece about a soldier who wants to stay focused on doing what is right and going off to serve his country. He is distracted by the beauty and fun nature of a young lady and some mischievous helpers. It is a disco routine to the strains of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” “This dance is fun, and fascinating,” said Gibbons.

Universal Voyage, choreographed by Triano, will take the audience on a journey into particles, matter, energy and the cosmos. It’s a modern jazz piece featuring solos and group work representing the planets and their effects.  The choreography is set to music by English electronic musical duo, Orbital.

Butterflies, will be performed on Saturday only by the children from the Community Dance Program, under the direction of guest artist Jessica Batha. “From the beautiful classical sounds of Carnival of the Animals, to the fun, funky hip hop sounds of Salaam Qing, four of the children’s classes have put together an incredible piece,” Batha said.

Bach Suite, choreographed by Gibbons, turns the 3-part Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 of Johann Sebastian Bach into a lively visual “painting.”

Instability, choreographed by Deven Dan, a senior majoring in athletic training from Bushkill, Pa., signifies being at the mercy of your own thoughts as you try to find your place in the world. “I compare the dance to an experience many of us go through,” he said.  “At night when we are just about to fall asleep sometimes our brain turns on and we start to really think. Many of those thoughts are our insecurities, expectations, and worries — the dance will show how we are our own downfall,” Dan said.

Heart, choreographed by Rebecca Rehrig, a sophomore majoring in early childhood and special education from Mohrsville, Pa., is about reaching out for help. “If you keep on reaching and reaching, eventually someone will grab you and pull you back to a safe place — never stop reaching; never lose hope,” she said.

Dance studio owners, their staff, students and families are invited to “Dance Studios Unite Nite” on Friday, April 17.  Each member of a studio group  will pay a discounted rate of $5 each, with the opportunity to receive a free ticket for every five tickets purchased. The group must arrive at the box office together to receive this offer.

Friday night’s performance will feature a post-performance Q & A with the company. It will be held in Abeloff directly after the performance and will provide an opportunity for the audience to get to know performers. Each choreographer will talk about his or her dance, and the audience will have time to ask questions.

All performances are open to the general public. Tickets are available for purchase at http://quantumnew.esu.edu/dance/.  Additionally, tickets will be sold at the door prior to each performance. Tickets cost $5 for children, students, and senior citizens and $10 for adults.

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

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