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The Towson University Dance Company will weave ballet, modern jazz, African American popular dance and other dance forms in its spring performance, “In Concert Weaving Textures of Dance.”
“One thing that really sets this performance apart from others is the fact that, as the title indicates, every piece is completely different,” explained Catherine Horta-Hayden, artistic director for the Dance Company.
The show features six diverse pieces, including a contemporary ballet piece that illustrates a murder mystery, a piece combining modern and African American dance forms, and a largely improvisational modern piece relying on audience participation.
The work of guest artists and choreographers will also be in the spotlight.
The jazz number finale “Sing Sing Sing,” choreographed by Bessie Award winner Douglas Graham, pays homage to legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. Graham, who worked with Fosse, has also performed on Broadway and in national tours of productions. “Sing Sing Sing” is the only piece in the show that incorporates all 23 members of the company.
Guest artist Yanis Pikieris choreographed “Frame by Frame,” a contemporary pointe piece that converges two story lines into a murder mystery. Pikeiris won the prestigious gold medal at the Moscow-based International Ballet Competition and has also worked with distinguished companies including the Bavarian National Ballet, the International Ballet of Caracas and the Miami City Ballet.
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar choreographed “Dreamin’ The Blues,” a modern dance that closes the first half of the production. The piece is presented as a result of the annual National College Choreography Initiative Award from the National Endowment for the Arts and Dance/USA, which supports innovative work of upcoming dancers and choreographers.
Zollar is also the founder of Urban Bush Women, which is a New
York-based dance troupe that focuses on women’s experiences,
African American history and the culture of the African
diaspora.
Assistant Professor Vincent Thomas choreographed “Loom,” a premier modern dance piece that draws its inspiration from visual and musical weavings.
The company, which includes 23 students, has been rehearsing for the show since the beginning of the semester, when the show’s choreographers held an open audition.
“I’m so proud of them,” Horta-Hayden said. “At our last rehearsal, if it had been the actual performance, it would have received a standing ovation. They’re so professional; it’s an honor to work with students of this caliber.”
Horta-Hayden said that learning the varying styles of the performance was easy for the students to pick up.
“One thing the dance department does extremely well here at Towson is help to create versatile dancers,” Horta-Hayden said, “so many of the members of the company were already well-versed in a variety of styles.”
According to Horta–Hayden, this focus on versatility helps students to become more marketable after graduation.
The benefits of such a show also teaches the students to understand their bodies better in terms of dancing ability.
Horta-Hayden said that she expects a good turnout for this weekend’s performances.
“There’s going to be something that appeals to everyone,” she said. “The pieces are extremely stimulating.”
Performances of “In Concert Weaving Textures of Dance” will be held in the Stephens Hall Theatre at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 30 and Saturday May 1 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
Tickets for the show are $12 for students and seniors and $18 for the general public. They are available at the box office, which has been relocated to the Stephens Hall Theatre due to the renovations at the Center For the Arts. For more information, call the box office at (410) 704-2787.
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