UMaine Dance Students Ready for Final Performances May 2-3
Contact: Pam McManus, 581-4702
ORONO — More than 50 dancers will take the stage for the UMaine School of Performing Arts’ annual spring dance concert May 2 and May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Hauck Auditorium.
The program features a wide variety of styles, including contemporary ethnic, dance-theater, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, Middle Eastern, modern, swing and tap. The performances are the culmination of a semester of dance instruction and training.
Fourteen choreographers have created several pieces about human relationships — from “a duet of broken hearts to partner tricks resembling the strength of friendship amid the chaos of one’s life,” says student Danielle Hilchey, who is a participating in the performances and assisting with publicity.
A lyrical piece showing the progression of a relationship from beginning to end is intended to reach audiences on a personal level, while a modern piece focuses on the ups and downs of life. Another piece portrays three circles of Dante’s Inferno — lust, sloth and guilt.
“There will also be many upbeat pieces, such as a large jazz number and swing dance,” Hilchey says. “Each one promises to be fun for the audience with crowd-pleasing moves and lots of energy.”
The popular Middle Eastern belly dances also will make a lasting impression, she adds.
Ann Ross, adjunct faculty member in the UMaine School of performing Arts, is the artistic director.
Admission is $8; UMaine students are admitted free with a MaineCard.