"We've put together a very eclectic program ranging from the 19th century Sleeping Beauty, to dance set to a percussion ensemble by the modern American composer John Cage," said Jefferson Baum, director of the dance program. "There are a wide range of pieces by our own faculty as well as guest artists."
Guest artists include Mary-Beth Cabana, artistic director of Ballet Tucson, who staged Sleeping Beauty and Patrick Corbin, who came in February to choreograph the modern dance piece "Bartly Cloudy." He also wrote the music and conceptualized the costumes. He was a principal dancer with the Jeoffrey Ballet for four years and with the Paul Taylor Dance Company of New York for 15 years.
The three program pieces by Grand Valley faculty are world premieres. "Girls" is a jazz number choreographed by adjunct professor Amy Cova that is set to Duke Ellington's "Wicked Little Girls."
"Huapango," a lively Mexican dance of Spanish origin that showcases classical ballet, is choreographed by Ana Coppelia Sandford-Lopez, a pointe instructor and rehearsal assistant. And Lisa Catrett-Belrose, assistant professor of dance, has choreographed and conceived costumes for "Caged," a modern dance set to the music of John Cage. It will include live music performed by Andrew Damman, Sam Gould, Kris Grant and Grand Valley Artist-Faculty Greg Secor.
Three performances are scheduled at the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus: Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for all students and $10 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased through Star Tickets Plus at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, online at www.starticketsplus.com or any Star Tickets Plus outlets. Also available weekdays at the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office from noon to 5 p.m. (in-person sales only/no phone orders). For more information call the LAT Box Office at (616) 331-2300.
