![\"University-Dance-Company\"](\"http:\/\/quantumnew.esu.edu\/insider\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/University-Dance-Company.jpg\")
\nMembers 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.<\/p>\n
This semi-annual performance will highlight the talents of students, faculty members and guest artists.<\/p>\n
A variety of choreographic styles and dance pieces will include contemporary, modern, jazz and hip-hop.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Each of the dances tells a different story.<\/p>\n
Wait!<\/em>, 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\u2019s \u201cLast Dance.\u201d \u201cThis dance is fun, and fascinating,\u201d said Gibbons.<\/p>\n Universal Voyage, <\/em>choreographed by Triano, will take the audience on a journey into particles, matter, energy and the cosmos. It\u2019s a modern jazz piece featuring solos and group work representing the planets and their effects.\u00a0 The choreography is set to music by English electronic musical duo, Orbital.<\/p>\n Butterflies<\/em>, will be performed on Saturday only by the children from the Community Dance Program, under the direction of guest artist Jessica Batha. \u201cFrom the beautiful classical sounds of Carnival of the Animals,<\/em> to the fun, funky hip hop sounds of Salaam Qing, four of the children\u2019s classes have put together an incredible piece,\u201d Batha said.<\/p>\n Bach Suite<\/em>, choreographed by Gibbons, turns the 3-part Brandenburg Concerto No. 4<\/em> of Johann Sebastian Bach into a lively visual \u201cpainting.\u201d<\/p>\n Instability<\/em>, 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. \u201cI compare the dance to an experience many of us go through,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAt 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 \u2014 the dance will show how we are our own downfall,\u201d Dan said.<\/p>\n Heart<\/em>, choreographed by Rebecca Rehrig, a sophomore majoring in early childhood and special education from Mohrsville, Pa., is about reaching out for help. \u201cIf you keep on reaching and reaching, eventually someone will grab you and pull you back to a safe place \u2014 never stop reaching; never lose hope,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Dance studio owners, their staff, students and families are invited to \u201cDance Studios Unite Nite\u201d on Friday, April 17. \u00a0Each member of a studio group \u00a0will 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.<\/p>\n Friday night\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n All performances are open to the general public. Tickets are available for purchase at http:\/\/quantumnew.esu.edu\/dance\/<\/a>.\u00a0 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