SU Dance Company Hosts Annual Spring Concert April 21-24

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury University Dance Company’s annual Spring Concert offers a variety of dance styles, including jazz, modern and contemporary techniques, Thursday-Sunday, April 21-24, in Holloway Hall Auditorium.

Curtain is 8 p.m., 2 p.m. Sunday. The program includes the work of prominent guest artists, faculty, local choreographers and students.

Guest artists Alice Howes and Jennifer Yackel present pieces grounded in traditional modern dance technique. Howes’ piece, “Trespasses,” is set to music by the Balanescu Quintet, while Yackel’s highly physical work, “In Line,” is performed to the music of the Amadina Percussion Group.

Howes is a faculty member with Coppin State University’s dance program. Yackel, a Salisbury native, currently resides in Philadelphia. Her career has taken her from performing with the Richmond Ballet and Ballet Theater of Maryland to contemporary companies including Jean Ruddy Dance and Ellen Sinapoli Dance.

The hour-long program also includes a jazz work, “Prohibit This,” by guest artist London Owen. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Owen was a L.E.A.P Showcase performer and a professional NFL cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals. Christina Aguilera, Nicole Kidman and Fergie are the musical artists for her piece.

“Autocorrect,” set to music by Prince Era, is a contemporary work by SU adjunct faculty member Jessica Hindman-Wheatley. The dance explores today’s obsessive use of electronic devices as a means of staying connected.

Former member Chelsea Chmel returns to set a new contemporary work, “Elastic Heart,” inspired by Madilyn Bailey’s rendition of artist Sia’s song of the same name.

Student choreographer Sonia Smith uses modern and jazz technique with an African spiritual influence in “Hold My Hand,” set to music by Delta Rae. This piece, originally presented in the company’s fall Student Showcase, was selected for presentation in this concert by a panel of professional dance adjudicators. 

The show concludes in a contemporary vein with a finale, “Ends of the Earth,” choreographed by local dance educator Staci Alexander. The ensemble work is set to music by Lord Huron.

Admission is $12, $9 for seniors, teens and SU alumni, free for children under 12. SU ID holders are admitted free for Thursday evening’s performance. Reservations are not required. Tickets may be purchased online and are available at the door beginning 30 minutes before each performance.

For more information call 410-543-6228 or visit www.salisbury.edu/theatreanddance.