Grand Valley students dancing with the stars

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- A variety of choreographers from across the country have each spent a week working with students in Grand Valley State University's Dance Program to create Dance Stars Across America "Coast to Coast," a diverse and entertaining program ranging from classical to contemporary dance.

Tickets are required for the performances, which are part of the university’s Fall Arts Celebration. Performances are Friday, October 24, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 25, at 2 p.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus.  

The performances will draw from the experience and expertise of each visiting professional dancer:
•    Becca Sweitzer, who recently appeared on television’s “Dancing with the Stars” and was a featured dancer in the movie, “Hairspray,” has set both a sassy jazz number and an edgy tap piece for the students to perform.

•    Noted choreographer Thang Dao, who recently received the Princess Grace Choreography Award, is a former member of the Steven Petrino Dance Company. He and Grand Valley’s Lisa Catrett- Belrose, assistant professor of dance, have also choreographed several dances.

•    Shawn Bible, who joined Grand Valley’s dance faculty this fall, has set two pieces, one for students and a duet to be performed by him with Catrett-Belrose.

•    The show closes with a signature piece, “Bolero,” choreographed by Pascal Rioult. Michael Phillips, a principal dancer from the company, based in New York City, also returned this year to once again work with students.
    
“Participating student dancers need to go through an audition process and a vigorous rehearsal schedule to participate in this program,” Catrett-Belrose said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for them to study and work with several professional choreographers in a short period of time and gain tremendous exposure to a variety of talent and expertise.”  

Tickets: General Public: $20; Faculty/staff/students with a GVSU ID: $10; Children age 12 and under: $5. Tickets may be purchased through Star Tickets Plus with a service fee, by calling (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, online at www.starticketsplus.com or at any Star Tickets Plus outlet. Tickets are also available weekdays, from noon - 5 p.m., at the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office (in-person sales only/no phone orders).

For more information call (616) 331-2180, or visit, www.gvsu.edu/fallarts.