Ninth Annual Dance Showcase, November 11, 13 and 14
"Every year the quality of the dancing surpasses that of the previous year," said Dr. Victoria Hutchinson, Dance Company director and faculty advisor. "Eight works are on the program. We're thrilled with the return of Carolyn Hitchcock as guest choreographer for the all-company work."
Hitchcock, a 1998 SSU graduate now teaching dance in Virginia, is a member of the growing dance minor SSU alumni list. "We look forward to the performances of our guest artists," said Hutchinson, six members of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Ambience Dance Company. Also, six original works choreographed by members of the SSU Dance Company will premiere. The six works will be adjudicated, for the first time, by a panel of professional dance artist-choreographers from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The selected work will be performed in the Dance Company's April concert.
Nicole Bendistis, an English major, will present "Descent Into Mystery," inspired by Danny Elfman's music for the movie Batman. Eight dancers will perform the ballet.
Caren Franchetti, a marketing and management major, and Rick Deale, a junior psychology major, present a swing piece for eight dancers. "Swing This, Baby!" is set to the music of the Brian Setzer Orchestra and replicates the life and spirit of the youth of the 1940s and the original Swing era.
Carrie Ann Miller, a senior English major, will present a modern dance work. "Falling," set to the music of Sarah McLachlan, communicates the idea of hidden fears inside everyone.
Kim Moore, a junior art education major and dance minor, will present a lyrical dance entitled "Mood." Set to music by the band Luscious Jackson, the dance explores the search for equilibrium between the ups and downs of life.
Julie Pierno, a senior communication arts major and English minor, presents "Stifled," a modern work for seven dancers to the music of Tori Amos.
True Sojourner, an SSU alumna, offers a two-part work: a heartfelt solo to the music of Bonnie Raitt is followed by a whimsical group piece to the music of "Hamburger Rhumba" from the Batteries Not Included soundtrack.
Concert tickets are $8 for adults, $6 seniors(62 and over) and teens, and free to youth under 12. Tickets are sold at the door and, beginning on Monday, November 2, at the Guerrieri University Center information desk (410-543-6006). Three raffle drawings will be held with proceeds to benefit the Dance Company. For further information contact the SSU Dance program at 410-543-6353.