Student Dance Concert at McKenna

NEW PALTZ, NY — The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz will present a Student Dance Concert, December 3, 4, and 5 in McKenna Theatre. Talented student dancers perform original choreography in tap, jazz, and modern dance.

Faculty member Diana Banks, who coordinates the concert, has choreographed an original work for students in the Jazz I course. “Tadah” is danced to “Sing Sing Sing,” the energetic and lively song written by Louis Prima and made famous by Benny Goodman.

Debra Noble, who is also a faculty member in the Department of Theatre Arts and artistic director of In Forward Motion Dance Company performs two solo dances that were created especially for her by New York choreographers Garry Reigenbom and Alan Danielson. Danielson is director of the Jose Limon Institute.

Dances choreographed by students include an original work choreographed and performed each year by the graduating seniors. This year’s senior piece, titled “This Woman’s Work,” is choreographed by Abby Goldberg, Katherine Ferry, Jill DeMonstoy, and Michelle Condidorio. Steven Williams will perform an original tap/drum duet with Elana Architzel.

While theatrical lighting plays an important in all dance performances, lighting is an especially important component of the Student Dance Concert. Students in the advanced lighting courses work collaboratively with each of the choreographers under the tutelage of Lighting Designer John Wade. This collaboration is important to Diana Banks. “This type of collaboration makes the dancers more aware of the technique and artistry involved in lighting dance, and exposes the lighting students to another medium of performance.”

The Student Dance Concert is performed Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 at 8pm. A matinee performance on Sunday, December 5 begins at 2pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the door, one hour prior to each performance. For additional information call 914-257-3880.

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