SU Dance Company Presents Annual Spring Concert April 21-24

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury University Dance Company, directed by Mary Norton, pays tribute to the late Michael Jackson as part of its annual Spring Concert Wednesday-Saturday, April 21-24 in Holloway Hall Auditorium. Curtain is 8 p.m.

Other program highlights include percussive tap by guest choreographer Debby Robertson and a Fosse-style jazz finale choreographed by returning guest artist Lynne Mariani.

Robertson, a former member of Brenda Bufalino’s American Tap Dance Orchestra, has inherited iconic tap routines from Bufalino and tap legend Bill Evans. She holds a B.F.A. and M.A. in dance from the University of Utah and Columbia Teacher’s College. Her rhythmic routine, “Iko Iko,” is her second work for the SU Dance Company.

Mariani began her career in Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ and served as his assistant on two national tours. She also appeared in Cats on Broadway and in Europe. Mariani currently teaches in the dance departments of Wilkes and DeSales universities in Pennsylvania.

Norton presents “Listening To You,” a contemporary ballet set to the music of Roger Daltry and the Who. Music by Cascada sets the tone for faculty member Jessica Hindman-Wheatley’s upbeat jazz work, “Evacuate the Dance Floor.”

The concert also includes a lyrical jazz work,”Eyes on Fire,” by Salisbury dancer/choreographer Barbara Harrington. “Tribute,” a jazz-hip hop work featuring the songs of Michael Jackson, is the work of another local choreographer, Staci Alexander.

An encore presentation of “Mr. Blue,” former member Katie Erdman’s modern work originally presented last fall, is also on the program. Each year, a panel of professional dance adjudicators selects a work choreographed by a dance company member to be presented in the Spring Concert. Erdman has earned the honor for three consecutive years.

Admission is $10, $8 for seniors, teens and SU alumni. Children under 12 and SU ID holders are admitted free. A portion of the proceeds benefit Kids of Honor, a local organization that empowers youth education.

Tickets may be purchased online in advance and are available at the door starting at 7 p.m. each night. Reservations are not required. For tickets and more information, call 410-543-6228 or visit the SU Theatre and Dance Web site at www.salisbury.edu/theatreanddance.