The three performances showcase students' work in classical ballet, with modern dance and jazz also featured. A highlight of the show are two dances -- "Paquita" and "Spring Waters" -- set by Mary-Beth Cabana, an internationally renowned dancer and current artistic director of Ballet Tucson, who visited Grand Valley last November to work with students on the pieces. "Paquita, " a mainstay of the classical ballet repertoire, will feature dancers wearing "spectacular tutus" -- a first for Grand Valley's dance program, said dance Director Jefferson Baum.
Lisa Catrett-Belrose, lecturer in modern dance at GVSU and a founding member of the Peter Sparling Dance Company, choreographed TJ5, featuring five dances with music by Tom Jones, including "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" and "She's a Lady." Baum staged "Simply That," with four classical ballet movements set to "Simple Symphony" by Benjamin Britten.
Also featured in this year's program is "Ophelia's Lament," choreographed and performed by dance students Sarah Lowe and Mark Krieger. Other works include the premiere of "Moving On," choreographed by Stephanie Thibeault, assistant professor of dance at GVSU, and others.
About two dozen students will dance in more than 10 pieces. Wardrobes were designed by Darlene K. Christopher, director of wardrobe and costume design for the dance program as well as costume designer for Hope College, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, the Grand Rapids Ballet, and others.
Show times are:
Spring Dance Concert 2004
April 2 at 8 p.m.
April 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Louis Armstrong Theatre,
Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Tickets are $10, available by calling Star Tickets Plus at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737. Tickets may also be purchased at the Louis Armstrong Theatre box office, open weekdays and one hour prior to performances. For more information, call the LAT box office at (616) 331-2300.
Jefferson Baum, associate professor and director of the dance program, can be reached at 331-2548.
