HomepageNewsUCDC Springs to Stage with “Exquisite Bouquet”

UCDC Springs to Stage with “Exquisite Bouquet”

The rich array of original dances featuring works by Ursinus dance program faculty, guests, and student choreographers is April 27-29 in the Lenfest Theater.

The Ursinus College Dance Company will celebrate the arrival of spring with Exquisite Bouquet, a rich array of original dances featuring works by Ursinus dance program faculty, guests, and student choreographers.

Performances are Thursday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lenfest Theater in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center.

The concert will include original works by faculty choreographers Jeannine Osayande and Dunya Performing Arts Company (DunyaPAC); Joshua Polk; returning guest artist Melissa Chisena; and student choreographers Kalina Witkowska and Izabella Entrekin.

The show, produced by Professor of Dance Karen Clemente, celebrates the 11th year of the African Dance Residency at Ursinus, led by Osayande, a visiting assistant professor of dance. This year, the UCDC African Ensemble presents The Control, a contemporary African Diaspora work inspired by the 1927 film Metropolis. Shannon Zura, associate professor of theater and dance in design and technology, collaborated with Osayande on the vision for the dance and created the lighting design. The dance has been supported by the Ursinus College arts and lectures committee.

Other pieces on the program include: Joshua Polk’s dance, Jack Your Body, that takes the audience on a journey to the 1990s underground house club scene; Watercolors, by Melissa Chisena, a contemporary ballet piece inspired by the music of Peter Gregson and the technique of creating watercolor art; student choreographer, Kalina Witkowska, whose piece Vesna, speaks to the conflict in Ukraine and reflects pride and unity—a tribute from a sister country, Poland; and student choreographer, Izabella Entrekin, whose dance, Shatter the Confines examines overcoming obstacles when encountering struggles.

“When I think of the dances to be performed, I am inspired by the sheer miracle of how each of the artists moved through the growing season, bringing to life a new thing—a new dance—culminating in an ‘exquisite bouquet’ of creative expression,” Clemente said.

Audience members are invited to join the choreographers and dancers for a talkback after the Thursday, April 27, performance and are also encouraged to participate in the “Dinner and Show” dining experience within the surrounding Collegeville, Pa., community.

For tickets, visit https://ursinus.edu/tickets.

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