Washington College Dance Company Presents Mix of Styles in Spring Concert April 28-30

CHESTERTOWN, MD—The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Professor Karen L. Smith, will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the College's Decker Theatre in the Gibson Performing Arts Center, Thursday through Saturday, April 28-30. The concert, held during National Dance Week, commences with a special matinee for local school children on Thursday, April 28, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m.

This year’s program will feature a variety of dance styles-classical and contemporary ballet, pointe, modern dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, and pom-performed by 29 students.

Ensemble dances include “Jungle Drum,” “Shadows in Time,” and “Boardroom Fantasy” choreographed by Rachel Dittman ’11; “La Campanella,” “The Tempest,” and “Carabousse's Beginning” choreographed by Grace Swanson ’12; “Saved in Every Way” choreographed by Megan Gentry ’12; “Church” choreographed by Elle O’Brien ’12; “Winter Song” choreographed by Jessica Hohne ’12; “Waka Waka” choreographed by Emily Hordesky ’12; “How to Save a Life” choreographed by Veronica Spolarich ’12; and a tap number, “In the Mood,” choreographed by Virginia Long ’12.

The show also will feature two dances from the repertoire of Sho’ Troupe, the Washington College Dance Team, titled “United State of Pop” choreographed by Elle O'Brien ’12, and “Jai Ho” choreographed by Emily Hordesky ’12.

Choreographers Grace Swanson, Jessica Hohne, and Emily Hordesky will each perform solos. Megan Gentry, Rachel Dittman, and Sarah Hartge will dance as a trio in “Sometimes a Nightmare.”

In addition to the choreographers, performers in the concert include seniors Ally Happel, Jenny Hobbs, Kelly Topita, and Sara Prickett; juniors Alyssa Velazquez, Ryan Adams-Brown, and Emily Simpson; sophomores Sophia Braunstein, Aubrey Hastings, Ji Sook Kim, Melanie Mavins, Rebecca Sussman, Zoe Woodbridge, Kimberly Zepeda, Beilin Zia, and Elizabeth Menzie; and first-year students Kristin Hammond, Chelsea Garzione, Carrie Hall, and Courtney Gowland.

The Spring Dance Concert also will feature a raffle for a chance to win themed baskets, with $1 tickets available at each performance. The winners will be drawn at the end of the Saturday performance.

The Spring Dance Concert is open to the public. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. For more information, call 410-778-7237.

Photos: Images from the Spring 2010 Dance Concert in Decker Theatre.