Washington College Dance Company Presents Spring Concert

CHESTERTOWN – The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Professor Karen L. Smith, will present its annual Spring Dance Concertat the College’s Decker Theater in the Gibson Performing Arts Center, Thursday through Saturday, April 22-24. The concert, which will kick off the beginning of National Dance Week, commences with a special matinee for local schoolchildren on Thursday, April 22, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, at 2 p.m.

This year’s program will feature a variety of dance styles—classical and contemporary ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, and pom—performed by more than 35 students.

Ensemble dances include “Veins” and “Chicago Medley” choreographed by Riley Carbonneau ’10; “Come Dance With Me” choreographed by Kathy Bands ‘10; “Celtic Sundance” choreographed by Nichole Hovermale ’10; “Curbside Prophet” and “Are you Gonna Go My Way?” choreographed by Rachel Dittman ’11; “At Last” and “Everytime We Touch” choreographed by Jessica Hohne ’12; “Jazz: A Retrospective” choreographed by Alyssa Velazquez ’12; “Hit the Floor” choreographed by Elle O’Brien ‘12; and “ABC–Dance with Me” choreographed by dance program director Professor Karen L Smith.

A trio of choreographers – Rachel Dittman ‘11, Sarah Hartge ’12, and Megan Gentry ’12 – will perform their contemporary number. Tap and modern pieces by Mary Fletcher ’10 and two ballets – ”Brahms Waltz” and “Quasi Una Fantasia,” choreographed by ¬student dancers, round out the program.

The show also will feature three dances from the repertoire of Sho’ Troupe, the Washington College Dance Team, titled “Diva” choreographed by Elle O’Brien, “Let’s Get Loud” choreographed by Emily Hordesky ’12, and “B.O.B.” choreographed by Stephanie Golub ’13.

Three solos will be performed by choreographers Mary Fletcher, Jessica Hohne, and Emily Hordesky. A duet will be performed by choreographers Kathy Bands and Ally Happel ’11.

In addition to the choreographers, performers in the concert include: Juniors Jenny Hobbs, Eve Nealon, Sara Prickett, Kelly Topita; Sophomores Ryan Adams-Brown, Amanda Johnson, Virginia Long, Grace Swanson, Emily Simpson, Kris Smith, Veronica Spolarich, Kristian Wilson; and First year students Emma Bolles-Bevins, Cortnee Doll, Devon Garges, Tasha Guzie, Aubrey Hastings, Jessica Kreppel, Laurie McDade, Asmae M’nebhi, Kelly Sipko, and Kimberly Zepeda.

The Spring Dance Concert will feature a raffle for a chance to win “A Night at the Movies” and “Eastern Shore” themed baskets filled with goodies. Tickets for the raffle cost $1 and can be purchased during all three performances. The winners will be drawn at the end of the Saturday performance.

The Spring Dance Concert is open to the public; a $1 donation is welcomed. For more information, call 410/778-7237.