'Dance Stars Across America' planned at Grand Valley

Four guest artists from several leading dance companies have been working with students at Grand Valley State University on choreography for the upcoming Dance Stars Across America performances, during the university's Fall Arts Celebration.

Performances are on Friday, October 26, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 27, at 2 p.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus. A reception will follow the evening performance. Tickets are $20 general public; $10 faculty/staff/students with GVSU ID; $5 children age 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased weekdays, noon-5 p.m. at the LAT Box Office (in-person sales only/no phone orders) or through Star Tickets Plus, with a service fee, by calling (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, online at www.starticketplus.com , or any Star Ticket Plus outlet.

“It is very exciting for the students to have exposure to a whole new group of guest artists,” said Lisa Catrett-Belrose, assistant professor of dance. “They are really pushing their limits and opening up to more styles of dance.”

Becca Sweitzer, from Los Angeles, is known for her work in the recently released film, “Hairspray,” and has worked with Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez. She is currently touring with Kathyrn McPhee, from American Idol. Sweitzer, who as a young dancer in Saline, Michigan, studied with Catrett-Belrose, took time from her busy schedule to set choreography for two original works for Grand Valley dance students. “Are You Proud?” is a lyrical piece with a strong message and “If I’m Lucky...,” a funky tap piece.

George Smallwood, from the Martha Graham and Battleworks dance companies, choreographed “Rush Hour,” a high-energy modern dance piece set to an impressive percussive score. Thang Dao, an award-winning choreographer and graduate of Julliard, brought “There, in Quiet Dreams,” a modern contemporary work with extensive partnering. Michael Phillips, a principal dancer with the Pascal Rioult Theatre in New York city, choreographed a very light classical piece with a modern twist, “If by Chance.”

Both Smallwood and Phillips will perform onstage as part of the program. Grand Valley dance faculty Calin Radelescue will perform in “If by Chance,” and “Gopak.” He also staged the choreography for “La Vivandiere,” a pas-de-six set to music by Cesare Pugni. Catrett-Belrose will be performing a duet “Hymne d’Amore” with Michael Phillips.

“This is such a treat because we both graduated from the University of Michigan and danced together in the Peter Sparling Dance Company of Ann Arbor, before he moved to New York,” said Catrett-Belrose.

The program offers a tremendous variety of performances, runs just under two hours, and is suitable for families. For more information contact Lisa Catrett-Belrose in the Department of Music and Dance, at (616) 331-3484.