In the spirit of “So, You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent,” and other popular reality shows, the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College presents Choreographers’ Concert for Dance Momentum weekend beginning on Friday, February 21, 2014, featuring Dean College dance students and renowned guest choreographer judges. Additionally, Dean College will host Master Classes open to the public on February 22, 2014.
“Dancers and dance lovers in the community should mark Feb. 21st and 22nd in their calendars as an important and inspiring weekend of dance,” said Julianne Pedersen O’Brien, Dean of the School of Dance. Dancers will get the chance to take classes in Contemporary, Afro-Modern, Hip Hop, and Modern Repertory from renowned performer/choreographers, as well as participate in a talk back session with the artists.”
The Choreographers’ Concert on Friday, February 21st will take place at 8:00 p.m. in the Guidrey Center, featuring Dean College dance students and renowned guest choreographer judges. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors/children. The College will host master classes on February 22, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The fee is $70, which includes lunch and your choice of attending one to all four classes.
The two-day dance event features David Parker teaching a modern technique class with elements of choreographic investigation, Nyama McCarthy Brown teaching Afro-Modern, Marc Kimelman teaching Hip Hop, and Martin Lofsnes teaching traditional modern technique.
David Parker is the artistic director of The Bang Group, commissioned by The American Dance Festival, The Yard, and Dance Theater Workshop.
Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown holds a PhD in Dance Education and Cultural Studies from Temple University. She is a visiting professor at Bowdoin College. Additionally, she has performed with Ballethnic Dance Company.
Marc Kimelman has worked with the New York City Ballet, Katy Perry, Phish, Neil Young, and Chaka Kahn. His Broadway credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Broadway Bares, and Play It Cool.
Martin Lofsnes is a principle dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, a dancer with Maurice Bejart and Matthew Bourne, and faculty with the Ailey School and Martha Graham School. Additionally, he is the artistic director of 360º Dance Company.
Pedersen O’Brien added, “it is an affordable and exciting day of dancing and learning about dance, and it is an honor to bring these guest to the regional community! It is a dance weekend not to be missed.”
To purchase tickets to the Choreographer’s Concert visit the calendar of events page at www.dean.edu. To register for a Master Class, visit www.dean.edu/worldofdance or contact Tracy Lane at (508) 541-1606 or via email at tlane@dean.edu.