Dance concerts usher in spring

Grand Valley dance students will demonstrate their achievements in three Spring Dance Concerts held April 4 and 5 at the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Allendale Campus.

Show times are April 4 at 8 p.m., and April 5 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Louis Armstrong Theatre , Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10, available at the door or by calling (616) 331-2300.

About 25 dance students will showcase their work in modern dance, ballet and jazz. Highlights of the concerts include several world premieres of dances choreographed by Grand Valley faculty and guests, and the addition of live music, said Jefferson Baum, director of the dance program. Featured is Stravinsky's entertaining and dynamic 'Pulcinella Suite' choreographed by Baum. Music for the piece will be performed by the GVSU Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Boico.

Also featured for the first time will be accompaniment on piano by the dance program's new music director, Joe Cross, a dance accompanist for 30 years with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet, among others. Cross joined Grand Valley's dance faculty last year.

Other pieces featured include premieres by GVSU Ballet Master Sean France and renowned choreographer Jim Orrante, principal dancer with Ballet Met of Columbus, Ohio. The performances end with a work, 'Love, Lust, Loss,' from the film Moulin Rouge, choreographed by Lisa Catrett-Belrose.