SU Dance Company Celebrates 50th Season April 13-16

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury University Dance Company, directed by Mary Norton, concludes its 50th season with a retrospective concert 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, April 13-16, in Holloway Hall Auditorium.

Performances begin with a lively look back at 50 years of music and dance trends in an ensemble work choreographed by Staci Alexander. Dances by guest choreographers, resident faculty, current members and company alumni also are featured.

Highlights include Dr. Victoria Hutchinson’s modern piece “Heavens Alighting,” which premiered in 1999, and Norton’s “Reflection on a Summer Day,” a contemporary ballet first performed by the company in 1993.

Guest artist Stephanie Powell returns with “Wade,” a traditional spiritual modern dance. An award-winning choreographer, Powell has taught dance at Goucher College and Towson University.

Former company president Katie Erdman returns to present “Pursuit of Acceptance.”  This contemporary dance was the first of three adjudicated winning choreographies set by Erdman while she was a member of the company. The program also includes the adjudicated winner of the Fall 2010 Student Showcase, “Live, Lie, Leave,” a contemporary work by current company president Jennifer De Chello, as well as “Five Guys,” a new jazz work by faculty member Jessica Hindman-Wheatley.

The concert concludes with Linda Hallman-Darr’s driving West African ensemble piece “Djoman.” Meaning “dialogue of drums,” “Djoman” premiered in 1998 and was presented again in 2004. Hallman-Darr is a nationally board certified teacher and is currently on the faculty at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts at Suitland High School.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s concert benefits the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Admission is $15; $12 for seniors age 62 and over, non-SU students, and SU alumni.  Children under 12 and SU ID holders are admitted free.

Reservations are not required for this hour-long, family-friendly event. For advance tickets visit www.salisbury.edu/theatreanddance. Tickets also are available at the door. For more information call 410-548-5588.

The SU Dance Company has provided experiences in artistic dance through training, performance and production since its beginning in 1962 as the Modern Dance Club. Entrance to the company is by audition, and members earn University credit while working with nationally recognized guest artists.

The Dance Company has received numerous grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council, agencies funded by the State Of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.