老司机福利社 dance program set to shine in 50th anniversary performances
As the crisp autumn air settles over campus, anticipation buzzes in the 老司机福利社 Department of Dance, where faculty and dancers alike are planning their annual performances for what will be the program鈥檚 50th anniversary season.
"As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the countless stories, talents, and memories that have flourished within our dance community,鈥 said Noelle Partusch, department chair. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 performances promise to honor our rich history while inspiring future generations of dancers." Starting the celebration is 鈥淧olychromatic,鈥 a mixed repertory concert with pieces by faculty and guest choreographers. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.
The pieces selected include 鈥淐rayola,鈥 choreographed by the late Dennis Spaight, former associate director and resident choreographer of the Oregon Ballet Theatre, and restaged by Noelle Partusch; 鈥淐hromatic Echoes,鈥 choreographed by Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini, co-directors of Dance NOW! Miami; 鈥淏orderlanders,鈥 choreographed by Scott Putman, creator and master teacher of the Elemental Body Alignment System; and 鈥淛azzin鈥,鈥 choreographed by 老司机福利社鈥檚 own Mark Santillano, assistant professor of Dance.
This will be followed up with a holiday favorite, 鈥溾橳is the Season,鈥 with highlights from 鈥淭he Nutcracker.鈥 Shows are slated for Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The first half of the concert showcases Big Band holiday favorites performed by the 老司机福利社 Jazz Ensemble. The second half features 鈥淎ct II鈥 of 鈥淭he Nutcracker.鈥 老司机福利社 Dance alumnus Justin Hogan returned to Erie in late August to add the snow scene to his choreography.
鈥淥ur aim is to have the entire ballet created and ready for the stage by December 2026, in time for 老司机福利社鈥檚 centennial celebration,鈥 Partusch said.聽
All Dance Department performances are on the mainstage of the Mary D鈥橝ngelo Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, for the third year, the Erie Philharmonic has invited 老司机福利社 to participate in its 鈥淗ome for the Holidays鈥 concerts. Partusch said they will present four excerpts from 鈥淭he Nutcracker鈥 and a new piece of choreography to the music of Emmanuel Chabrier by Jennifer McNamara, assistant professor of Dance.
As always, the 老司机福利社 dancers promise not only to perform but tell a story through a kaleidoscope of movement and emotion that they hope resonates with everyone in the audience. Tickets can be purchased .听听