Monday, Feb 21, 2011
A haunting and inspirational look into how spirits from the past and present affect our lives
The Rider University Dance Program will present “Rider Dances with the Ghosts” on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the Yvonne Theater on the Rider University campus in Lawrenceville. A haunting and inspirational look into how spirits from the past and present affect our lives, the performance will feature works by leading dance professionals from the area including Rider students, alumni, faculty and American Repertory Ballet Company members. Featured choreographers include Lees Hummel, Laney Engelhard and Jennifer Gladney.
Dance Director Dr. Kimberly Chandler Vaccaro has created a piece to the original music of John Gratton. Through a series of vignettes, the dancers and musicians will bring to life Vaccaro’s latest work, which is dedicated to the musings and creativity of her first dance teacher.
Other pieces in the program focus on related aspects of the theme. Hummel’s dance is inspired by her experience with her college roommates and friends who dealt with a diagnosis, disease and ultimate death from AIDS. It pays homage to the courage, strength and life of Tim Powers, just one of the millions who have faced the disease.
Rider senior Stephanie Agin explores the hidden issues of youth suicide resulting from the use of antidepressants at an early age. Agin’s dance journeys from pain and suffering to the calmness felt by those who have been lost and the loved ones left behind. Rider alumna Cherilyn Barbone’s tap number focuses on how love can transcend death. Through each choreographer’s vision and the dancers’ movements “Rider Dances with the Ghosts” offers the audience a new understanding of how our personal ghosts can be used as tools of inspiration, knowledge and strength.
Rider Dance is a cooperative program with Princeton Ballet School, where the dancers receive most of their studio training.
For further information about these performances, please contact Kim Chandler Vaccaro at [email protected]. Tickets $10 for general admission and $5 for Rider students, staff and faculty, and they are only available at the door.
There will be a special Rider Dance alumni reception before the concert on Saturday, March 5. For further information about the reception please contact Kat Zimoulis at [email protected].