YSU Dance Ensemble annual concert Original and moving

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown State University Dance Ensemble will present its annual concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater.

Under the artistic direction of Christine Cobb, faculty member in the department of theater and dance, the concert will showcase 31 students and faculty performing 11 dances in a variety of genres, including modern, contemporary ballet, jazz, tap and musical theater.

Several of the students’ works are choreographed by students majoring in dance management.

Highlights from the program will include a tribute to Britney Spears titled “It’s Britney,” choreographed by sophomore Hailey Gelzheiser, and “Disdain,” a look at the struggle for acceptance by senior dance management major Savannah Lach.

A piece titled “Village of Lies,” choreographed by Bailey Mackey, was inspired by the Salem witch trials.

Other choreographers include Kiara Jones, Krista Colarosa, Alyssa Armstrong, Angelique Tanner, Sarah Gage, Christina Fonner and Taryn Kerfoot.

Cobb will perform a piece she choreographed as a tribute to her late husband, Thom.

Additional Dance Ensemble members include: Rosie Bresson, Lea Buonavolonta, Tim Campbell, Mariah Carbone, Kaitlyn Carson, Mia Colon, Rachel Davis, Stefon Funderburke, AnnMarie Lowerre, Lydia Marshall, Erica Mitchell, Aubrianna Morrison, Ben Mowrer, Summer Neely, Kendall Orris, Rachael Penick, Samantha Poe, Erynn Ruf, Rachel Schmidt, Jacquelyn Staley and Leah Tekac.

The YSU Dance Ensemble, a sanctioned student organization, accepts members via an audition process in the fall term. Members practice weekly to hone their performance skills.

“The students who audition and are accepted into the YSU Dance Ensemble put countless hours into practicing their discipline,” said Cobb. “The spring concert is the culmination of their yearlong efforts.”

An informal and free artwalk, titled “Blissful Beginnings” and showcasing work by students in the College of Creative Arts and Communication, will take place for an hour before the concert on opening night.

Patrons also are invited to view an exhibit by artist Carrie Longley in Bliss Hall’s Judith Rae Solomon Gallery on the second floor. There also will be musical entertainment in the theater lobby before the show.

Parking is available in the M30 Wick Avenue parking deck via Walnut Street (GPS address is 100 Wade Street, Youngstown OH 44502) for a nominal fee. Patrons are advised to watch for posted detours as construction progresses on Wick Avenue.

For information, call the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-941-2307.