College Dance Students Offer Free Morning of Dance Instruction and Fun This Saturday

Members of the dance honor society teach a ballet routine at a previous
Community Dance Day at the College.

CHESTERTOWN, MD—The Washington College Dance Program will host its 12th Community Dance Day on Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Johnson Lifetime Fitness Center on the College campus, 300 Washington Avenue. Free dance instruction is given by members of the college chapter of Nu Delta Alpha Dance Honor Society. 

Open to children in grades K-8, this is an opportunity for dance instruction in creative movement, hip hop, and Broadway dance.  No prior dance experience is necessary.

For more information contact Professor Karen Smith (410/778-7237; ksmith2@washcoll.edu) or Society president Aubrey Hastings at ahastings2@washcoll.edu.

College Dance Company Presents Spring Concert

Chestertown, MD—The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Dance Program director Karen Lynn Smith, will present its annual spring dance concert Thursday through Saturday, April 19-21. All performances will be held in Decker Theatre, Gibson Center for the Arts, on the College campus, 300 Washington Avenue.

A special matinee for local school children is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, 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 38 students.

The Concert will offer a raffle for a chance to win themed baskets filled with goodies. Tickets for the raffle are $1 and can be purchased during all three performances. The winners will be drawn at the end of the Saturday performance.

The Dance Concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://dance.washcoll.edu/, call (410) 778-7237 or email ksmith2@washcoll.edu.

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.

Washington College Dance Company Presents Spring Concert

Chestertown, MD — The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Prof. Karen L. Smith, will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the College's Cain Athletic Center, Thursday through Saturday, April 16-18. The concert, which will kick off the beginning of National Dance Week, commences with a special matinee for local schoolchildren on Thursday, April 16, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 17, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m.

View dance recital photos

This year's program will feature a variety of dance styles—classical and contemporary ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and lyrical—performed by more than 30 students.

Ensemble dances include "Smooth," "Boom" and "Love," choreographed by Lauren Thomas '09; "Panic," "Drop" and "Jerk," choreographed by Kathy Bands '10; "Hot Tin Roof," choreographed by Mary Fletcher '10; "Fireman" and "Thunder," choreographed by Elle O'Brien '12 and Ally Happel '11; "Dancing," choreographed by Veronica Spolarich '11; "My Same," choreographed by Rachel Dittman '11, "Just Dance," choreographed by Ally Happel; "Crazy," choreographed by Ally Happel and Allison Farrow '11, and "Out of Silence—After Sunrise," choreographed by dance Professor Karen L. Smith. A trio of choreographers — Elle O'Brien '12, Emily Hordesky '12 and Kelsey Hallowell '12 — will perform a hip-hop number.

The show also will feature two dances from the repertoire of Sho' Troupe, the Washington College Dance Team, titled "Boom" and "Roll," choreographed by Lauren Thomas '09.

Five solos will be performed by choreographers Lauren Thomas, Kathy Bands, Jess Hohne, Ally Happel and Riley Carbonneau.

In addition to the choreographers, performers in the concert include; juniors Megan Johnston and Kelly Topita; sophomores Jenny Hobbs, Nichole Horn, Holly Jones, Emily Simpson; and first-year students Ryan Adams-Brown, Megan Gentry, Sarah Hartge, Gretchen Harz, Virginia Long, Hyemi Seok, Chris Smith, Grace Swanson and Alyssa Velazquez.

The Spring Dance Concert will feature a raffle for a chance to win a "Night at the Movies" or an Eastern Shore-themed basket 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.

Washington College Dance Company Presents Spring Concert

Chestertown, MD — The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Prof. Karen L. Smith, will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the College's Cain Athletic Center, Thursday through Saturday, April 17-19. The concert, which will kick off the beginning of National Dance Week, commences with a special matinee for local schoolchildren on Thursday, April 17, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m.

This year's program will feature a variety of dance styles—classical and contemporary ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, as well as Spanish Flamenco—performed by more than 25 students.

Ensemble dances include "Rhythm", "Apologize" and "Toy Soldiers" choreographed by Lauren Thomas '09; "Near to You" and "Memory" choreographed by Barbara Harrington '08; "Lady Marmalade" and "Respect" choreographed by Diane Swenson '08; "Brand New Bag" choreographed by Laura Connelly '08; "Kitri Variation" and "The Graduate" choreographed by Jenn German '08; "Low" and "Look Pretty" choreographed by Katie Himmelberger '08; and a Spanish Flamenco dance choreographed by Kathy Bands '10.

The show also will feature a dance from the repertoire of Sho' Troupe, Washington College's dance team, titled "Don't Stop the Music" and choreographed by Lauren Thomas '09.

Seven solos will be performed under the choreography of Barbara Harrington, Diane Swenson, Jenn German, Katie Himmelberger, Laura Connelly, Kathy Bands and Lauren Thomas.

Performers in the concert are Seniors Carimanda Baynard, Laura Connelly, Jenn German, Barbara Harrington, Katie Himmelberger, Katie Kirlin and Diane Swenson; Juniors Slavina Batalova and Lauren Thomas; Sophomores Kathy Bands, Riley Carbonneau, Mary Fletcher, Nicole Hovermale, Megan Johnson and Katie Rivera; and First-year students Rachel Dittman, Allison Farrow, Ally Happel, Paige Harrison, Nichole Horn, Erica Henderson, Mara Smith, Kelly Topita and Mandy Tuttle.

The Spring Dance Concert will feature a raffle for a chance to win a "Night at the Movies" or an Eastern Shore-themed basket 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.

April 1, 2008

Washington College Dance Company Presents Spring Concert

Chestertown, MD, April 10, 2007 — The Washington College Dance Company, under the direction of Dr. Karen L. Smith, will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the College's Cain Athletic Center, Thursday through Saturday, April 19-21. The concert, which will kick off the beginning of National Dance Week, commences with a special matinee for local schoolchildren on Thursday, April 19, at 1:15 p.m. Subsequent performances are Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 1 p.m.

This year's program will feature a variety of dance styles—classical and contemporary ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop and lyrical, as well as Nepali and Japanese dance—performed by more than 30 students.

Ensemble dances include "Get Lost," choreographed by Hilary Sama; "Welcome to the Dollhouse," "Woman" and "Rhythm Management," choreographed by Lindsay Merhige; "Breathe Me" and "Alone," choreographed by Lindsey Webster; "It's Funtastic!" choreographed by Alicia Moore; "Caribbean Blue" and "Alegria," choreographed by Barbara Harrington and Laura Connelly; "Tikuli Hai Mero," choreographed by Shrijana Puri; "Next to You" and "Dare You to Move," choreographed by Lauren Thomas; "Rock Stars" and "SexyBack," choreographed by Katie Himmelberger; and "So-Ran Bushi," a traditional Japanese dance.

The show also will feature a dance from the repertoire of Sho' Troupe, Washington College's dance team. Titled "Break It Off," it is choreographed by Lindsay Merhige and Barbara Harrington.

Nine solos and duets will be performed under the choreography of Diane Swenson, Gillian Bourassa, Jenn German, Karen Lynn Smith, Barbara Harrington, Lindsay Merhige, Amanda Boutwell, Lindsey Webster and Lauren Thomas.

Performers in the concert are seniors Amanda Boutwell, Rachel Calhoun, Lindsay Merhige, Carly Mitchell, Alicia Moore, Rie Nakayama, Yuki Nishida, Hilary Sama, Lauren Stranahan, Lindsey Webster; juniors Carimanda Baynard, Laura Connelly, Gunther DuHoffman, Sarah Dulle, Jenn German, Barbara Harrington, Katie Himmelberger, Tsubasa Iwai, Laura Newman, Sarah Pierson, Diane Swenson, Kana Takio, Masayuki Terashima and Kanae Tokunaga; sophomores Melissa Ackermann, Gillian Bourassa, Maoko Ishikawa, Kisato Takenaka and Lauren Thomas; and freshmen Sanae Aoyagi, Kathy Bands, Riley Carbonneau, Jackie Garcia, Stacey Helmer, Nicole Hovermale, Audrey Kossman, Becky Lang, Chika Miyata, Katie Rivara, Ayaka Sugimoto and Waka Tomita.

The Spring Dance Concert will feature a raffle for a chance to win a "Night at the Movies" or an Eastern Shore-themed basket 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.

A Day of Dance: 'Steps to the Future' at Washington College, March 31

Chestertown, MD, March 22, 2007 — A full day of dance master classes, sponsored by the National Dance Association, will be offered by the Washington College chapter of Nu Delta Alpha, the National Dance Honor Society, at the College's Ben Johnson Lifetime Fitness Center on Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During this "Steps to the Future" workshop, high school and college students have an opportunity to take a variety of master classes in musical-theater dance, lyrical dance, hip hop, improvisation and Pilates. The event also is an opportunity to learn about nutrition for the dancer and to meet dancers and teachers from other colleges and high schools. An informal performance is planned for 4 p.m., followed by a reception.

Information is available from the College Dance Program at 410-778-7237 or the National Dance Association office at 800/213-7193, ext. 464. While on-site registration will be available the morning of the event, pre-registration is recommended. Advanced registration forms are online at www.aahperd.org/nda.

In Step with Spring: WC Dance Company in Concert, April 20-22

Chestertown, MD, April 10, 2006 — The Washington College Dance Company presents its annual Spring Dance Concert, April 20-22, in the College's Tawes Theatre. Directed by Professor Karen L. Smith, the Concert will kick off the beginning of International Dance Week and commence with a performance at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, with a special matinee for local school children. Following performances are Friday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and a $1 donation is welcomed. For information, call the Washington College Dance Program at 410-778-7237.

A raffle will also be held for a chance to win a basket of coupons to local businesses and restaurants. Tickets for the raffle cost $1 and can be purchased during all three performances. The winner will be drawn at the end of the final performance.

This year's program will feature a variety of dance styles—ballet, modern, jazz, Nepali, hip hop, lyrical, and tap—performed by more than thirty students. "Since the beginning of the year, we have been practicing two hours a day, five days a week," says senior Mari Takeuchi. "It's so exciting to have the chance to showcase all of our hard work and the talents of such amazing, dedicated dancers."

Ensemble dances include Le Jazz Hott!, It's Raining Men, and Feeling Good, choreographed by Shannon McCully; Starry Night, choreographed by Hilary Sama; Fairytale, Tainted Love, Dream, and1, 2 Step, choreographed by Lindsey Webster;Khutta Tandai Gara, choreographed by Shrijana Puri; Hip Hopping Machines, choreographed by Alicia Moore; The Olde Headboard,choreographed by Amanda Boutwell; Where Is Your Heart?, choreographed by Lauren Thomas;Call On Me, choreographed by Carol Landis and Rachel Loose; and Walk This Way, choreographed by Liz Jenkins. Ten solos and duets will also be performed under the choreography of Jenn German, Barbara Harrington, Carol Landis, Rachel Loose, Shannon McCully, Lindsay Merhige, Shrijana Puri, Hilary Sama, Karen Lynn Smith, Lauren Thomas, and Lindsey Webster.

Performers in the Spring Dance Concert are seniors Shannon McCully, Liz Jenkins, Carol Landis, Mari Takeuchi, and Rachel Stahm; juniors Amanda Boutwell, Justine Hendricks, Rachel Loose, Lindsay Merhige, Carli Mitchell, Alicia Moore, Hilary Sama, and Lindsey Webster; sophomores Carimanda Baynard, Rachel Calhoun, Laura Connelly, Julie Converse, Ashleigh Genevich, Jenn German, Barbara Harrington, Katie Himmelberger, Diane Swenson, Shrijana Puri, Sarah Pierson, and Meredith Weaver; and freshmen Melissa Ackerman, Aubrey Bemis, Gillian Bourassa, Marielle Latrick, and Lauren Thomas.

WC's Nu Delta Alpha Honor Society Steps out for Community Dance

Chestertown, MD, October 25, 2005 — Washington College's Dance Honor Society, Nu Delta Alpha, announces, "Get Up and Dance," their Second Annual Community Dance Day, Saturday, November 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the College's Johnson Lifetime Fitness Center.

The free event is open to children K-8 and no prior dance experience is necessary.

Under the direction of Professor Karen Smith, the members of Nu Delta Alpha will offer instruction in hip-hop, Broadway dance, and creative movement. As an additional community service project, Alicia Moore, chapter president, and other members of the society will be teaching dance classes to students at Garnett Elementary and Kent County High School on November 2.

Nu Delta Alpha is a nationally recognized dance society that attracts students with a desire to pursue dance beyond actual movement. The society places an emphasis on honor and recognizes academic achievements, technical performance abilities, community service, and scholarly achievement related to the field of dance.