YSU Dance Ensemble spring performance April 6, 7, 8

The Youngstown State University Department of Theater and Dance presents the YSU Dance Ensemble in concert 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 6, 7 and 8 in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater.

Adult tickets are $16. Special rate tickets are $8 for non-YSU students, YSU faculty and staff with valid ID, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight or more. YSU student tickets are free with valid ID. All tickets are general admission and available by calling 330-941-3105, purchasing online at www.ysu.tix.com or at the door prior to each performance.

Under the artistic direction of Christine Cobb, professor, Theater and Dance, the concert showcases 31 students and faculty performing 11 dances in a variety of dance genres, including modern, contemporary ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theater. 

The YSU Dance Ensemble, a sanctioned student organization, accepts members via an audition process in the fall term. Members practice weekly and hone their performance skills. “The students who audition and are accepted into the Ensemble put countless hours into practicing their discipline,” said Cobb. “The spring concert is the culmination of their year-long efforts.” Several of the students’ works are choreographed by those in the bachelor's in Dance Management major in the Department of Theater and Dance.

Highlights from the program include a tribute to Britney Spears entitled "It’s Britney," choreographed by sophomore Hailey Gelzheiser, and "Disdain," a look at the struggle for acceptance by senior Savannah Lach. A piece entitled "Village of Lies," choreographed by junior 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.

In conjunction with the concert, the College of Creative Arts and Communication presents "Blissful Beginnings," an informal artwalk. Designed to showcase the arts throughout the college, "Blissful Beginnings" begins at 6:30 p.m. through curtain time on opening night, Thursday, April 6. Patrons are invited to view an exhibit by artist Carrie Longley in Bliss Hall’s Judith Rae Solomon Gallery on the second floor, and enjoy musical entertainment in the lobby prior to the show opening. There is no additional cost.

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 more information, call 330-941-2307.