The University Dance Company at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania will dance like everyone is watching this month when the fall performance debuts at 7 p.m. November 20 – 21 and at 2 p.m. on November 22. Each show will be at the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts.<\/p>\n
This semi-annual performance will throw the spotlight on the talents of students, faculty members and guest artists. A variety of choreographic styles and dance pieces will include contemporary, modern, jazz and tap.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who comes to see this performance will be entertained by the beauty of the choreography as it is being performed by the dancers,\u201d Maria Triano, senior guest artist and director of PA Dance Network, said.<\/p>\n
The choreographers include Elizabeth Gibbons, Ph.D., professor of physical education, dance program coordinator and artistic director of the University Dance Company; Maria Triano and\u00a0Jessica Batha, guest artists from Bangor, Pa.; Abby Slater, guest artist and director of Symmetry Studio from Scranton, Pa.; and sophomore early childhood education majors Heather Williams, from Ridley, Pa. and Rebecca Rehrig from Reading, Pa.<\/p>\n
Each of the dances tells a different story.<\/p>\n
Looking Within<\/em>, choreographed by student Heather Williams, combines tap and modern dance. \u201cThis dance will inspire you to find yourself and never let go,\u201d Dr. Gibbons said.<\/p>\n Shattered<\/em>, choreographed by Batha, is a dance meant to portray a struggle between the mind and the heart, according to Gibbons.<\/p>\n Trees<\/em>, choreographed by Triano, is a portrayal of the way nature intersects, supports and nourishes life.<\/p>\n Gratitude<\/em>, choreographed by Slater, is about appreciating what you have while you have it.\u00a0 \u201cToo many of us take people and things for granted.\u00a0 Life is short so, take the time to slow down, drop in, and be present in the moment because all we have are moments,\u201d said Slater.<\/p>\n Whatever<\/em>, by Gibbons, updates the portrayal of flappers, those bold young women who shook up society 100 years ago.<\/p>\n Friday night\u2019s performance will feature the “Dance Studios Unite Nite” special.\u00a0 All\u00a0dance studios receive one free ticket with every five students who attend. All students must be present together to receive this special. The program includes a post-performance Q & A session in which students will have the chance to talk with the performers and choreographers.<\/p>\n Saturday\u2019s performance will include the\u00a0children from the Community Dance Program, under the direction of\u00a0guest artist Jessica Batha.<\/p>\n Tickets are available for purchase at http:\/\/quantumnew.esu.edu\/dance\/<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n