Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble March 28-31

The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance presents a myriad of new dances choreographed by faculty and students in this year’s Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble.

The festival runs Wednesday, March 28, through Saturday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Valborg Theatre on campus.

Admission is $6 for Appalachian students and youth, $13 for faculty/staff and seniors, and $15 for adults. Tickets are available in person at the Valborg Theatre box office Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., online at http://www.theatre.appstate.edu, or by phone at (828) 262-3063.

Consisting of never-before-seen original works, the production will display a variety of styles, including Latin, Irish, Modern, Krumping and Traditional African movement.

Open auditions for performers and choreographers were held for students from any major. Fifty students from a pool of approximately 120 were selected.

Faculty member Susan Lutz coordinates the production as the director, with Sherone Price and Regina Gulick-James as the two faculty choreographers. Student choreographers include Jordan Melton, Brooke Rideout, Kayla Fitzpatrick, Tonya Lucas and Meaghan Philbrook.

This year’s program includes two pieces choreographed by faculty and five by students. A special work will be a Mendiani African dance choreographed by Sherone Price. Price is a professional dancer with vast experience in the arts of African dance, pulling much of his inspiration from the exotic Mendiani. This dance is performed as a rite of passage for women in Africa and is performed as a celebration in America.

The Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street, facing the back of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street. Parking is available after 5 p.m. on campus in faculty lots, the College Street deck near Belk Library and Information Commons and the Rivers Street parking deck.