Dance program showcased

Grand Valley State University's new dance program will showcase its 20-member Dance Ensemble in three Spring Dance Concerts, held Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, at the Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus.

The concerts offer a very eclectic collection of dances that begin with a strong footing in classical ballet, says dance Director Jefferson Baum. From that they branch off and explore different techniques such as modern dance and jazz and contemporary ballet.

All pieces performed are world premieres choreographed by Baum, fellow GVSU dance faculty members William Gordon and Sean France, and guest choreographers. Music for the dances are as eclectic as the dance program, ranging in selections from Bobby McFerrin and Janet Jackson to Vivaldi and Nat King Cole.

Baum, a native of Spring Lake, established the dance program at Grand Valley last year after retiring from professional dance. An internationally recognized master teacher and choreographer, Baum's career highlights include touring Europe as a soloist with Ballet de Monte Carlo, touring China with the Los Angeles Classical Ballet, and performing as principal artist with the Arizona, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Santa Fe Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera ballets. Since 1993 he has served on the faculty at Steps on Broadway of New York City, and he has been artistic director for the Traverse City Youth Ballet Company since 1997. This summer will be Baum's thirteenth season as founding director of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp dance program, rated by Dance Magazine as one of the top 10 in the nation.

The 90-minute Spring Dance Concerts give audiences their first opportunity to view Grand Valley's new dance program -- which has seen a steady growth in interest since its establishment last year and now has about 16 dance majors from across the state.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10, $6 for seniors, $5 for students, and are available at the door or by calling the ticket office at 895-2300.