Dance Works XII Celebrates its 12th Season
Dance Works XII at Pacific University celebrates its 12th season opening on April 23, 24, 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. every night and a 2 p.m. matinee on April 25. Featured guest choreographers are Agnieszka Laska, Artistic Director Agnieszka Laska dance Company and Gina Candland, Artistic Director of Moxie Contemporary Ballet, both choreographers will stage dance works on Pacific Dance Ensemble.
Portland's notable choreographer, Agnieszka Laska will restage The Chopin Project. Laska describes the work “as a neoclassical-modern style and consists of several short solos, duets, trios and group dances choreographed to music of Frederic Chopin”. The Chopin Project was originally choreographed for Agnieszka Laska Dancers (ALD) and performed internationally, most recently on a company tour to Poland in May of 2014.
Gina Candland, a highly accredited dancer/educator, and choreographer recognized nationally, recently relocated to Portland from New York and currently directs the Moxie Contemporary Ballet. Along with Candland choreographing a work on the Pacific Dance Ensemble, Moxie dance company will perform in the concert as well.
Also included in Dance Works XII choreographers are alumnus, Emily Abramson, Senior Dance Major, Sarah Whitehead, faculty member Mary Hunt, and Pacific’s Artistic Director of Dance, Jennifer Camp.
Camp established Pacific Dance Ensemble in 2004, one year after arriving at Pacific University. Now the company has 21 dancers from many diverse dance backgrounds. Camp says, “Diverse training creates a balance within the group and aids in the company’s ability to dance classical works, contemporary, musical theatre, African dance, and many others styles." Students take regular dance technique classes and rehearse daily while also managing rigorous academic schedules. Camp has presented dancers from Pacific Dance Ensemble in professional shows; this spring the company will perform in the American College Dance Association at University of Northern Colorado.
Spring Dance Works XII will be held at the Tom Miles Theatre in Warner Hall. The show runs Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25 with performances at 7:30 p.m. daily, as well as a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are $8 general admission and $5 for students, seniors, and alumni, and can be purchased at the door. Buying tickets in advance is recommended as seating is limited and the shows fill up quickly.
Contact the box office at 503-352-2918. For more information, email dance@pacificu.edu.