University Dance Company to Perform This Weekend

University Dance Company performing “A Game of Chess” at their fall showcase last year. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
University Dance Company performing “A Game of Chess” at their fall showcase last year. Photo Credit / Jamie Reese
University Dance Company performing “A Game of Chess” at their fall showcase last year.
Photo Credit / Jamie Reese

By Crystal Smith
A&E Editor

From November 20 to 22, the University Dance Company will present their fall concert in the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts.

Performances are scheduled for 7:00 PM on November 20 and 21 and 2:00 PM on November 22.

The University Dance Company has been working on several different pieces that include contemporary, modern, jazz, and tap.

The company works as a team with students, faculty, and guest artists.

This performance is made possible by the following choreographers: Elizabeth Gibbons, Ph.D., professor of physical education and dance program coordinator and artistic director of the University Dance Company, Maria Triano and Jessica 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 and Rebecca Rehrig.

The concert consists of five different dances that tap into different senses.

“Whatever,” by Gibbons, taps into the energetic, jiving flappers of the 1920s.

“Trees,” by Triano, portrays how nature corresponds and intersects with life.

“Shattered,” by Batha, is a dance representing the struggle between the mind and the heart.

“Gratitude,” by Slater, is to remind people to be happy for what they have when they have it.

“Looking Within,” a dance choreographed by Heather Williams, combines the styles of tap and modern.

Tomorrow’s performance will feature the “Dance Studios Unite Nite.” This special includes a free ticket for every five students that attend together. The program includes a post-performance Q&A session in which students will have the chance to talk with the performers and choreographers of the production.

“I am excited for the show on Friday. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said freshman Sabrina Makkas.

On Saturday, the performance will include children from the Community Dance Program, who will perform under the direction of guest artist Jessica Batha.

For tickets, order online at http://quantum.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. Gibbons by phone at 570-422-3331 or by email at egibbons@esu.edu.

Email Crystal at:
csmith123@live.esu.edu