ESU’s Dance Company to Present Fall Performance

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on November 9, 2016, No Comments

The University Dance Company at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania will present its fall performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 18 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 19. There will be an open dress rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. Each show will be at the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts. Saturday’s performance features children from our Community Dance Program.

The University Dance Company is under the direction of Professor of Physical Education Elizabeth Gibbons, Ph.D. Choreographers include Jessica Batha, artistic director of Adora Sessions in Bangor, Pa.; Senior Guest Artist Maria Triano, president of PA Dance Network, Inc. in Analomink, Pa.; Guest Artists Abby Slater of Symmetry Dance Company in Scranton and Janel Naro of Wilkes-Barre. Student Choreographers include Cassie Dech, Hydeia Hughes and Deveney Young.

Bird Watching was originally choreographed by Senior Guest Artist Maria Triano in 1997 and will grace the stage this semester performed by four of our passionate and powerful dance technicians. The piece is set to the song This is the Picture (Excellent Birds) by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel. This modern jazz choreography depicts the keen focus, dynamic strength, body mechanics and beauty of birds while examining perspective of self, others and the world at large.

Scission is set to music by Meredith Monk and choreographed by ESU faculty member Jessica Batha. The piece represents a split in the mind when all thoughts go out of control.

Speak Your Truth, choreographed by Abby Slater, is about not being able to say what you need to say; you open your mouth but the words do not come out. Many times fear and control is the cause of holding back, and this piece shows that once you are able to speak your truth, happiness and relief take over and you are able to be your true self.

Tickets are available for purchase at esu.edu/dance and at the door. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children, students and senior citizens.

For more information about this event, contact Jessica Batha at Jbatha@esu.edu or (570) 422-3694, ext. 3331.