Pitt Dance Ensemble to Participate in American College Regional Dance Festival March 16-20

PITTSBURGH—Ten University of Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble students, along with two faculty members from the School of Education's Department of Health and Physical Activity, will participate in the American College Regional Dance Festival from March 16 through 20 at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

The festival, one of the largest on the east coast, will include classes, seminars, performances, and events. The Pitt group will be among 36 colleges and universities who offer dance courses in their curriculum in attendance.

The Pitt Dance Ensemble will perform a new work entitled "Moush Kedah" ("Not That Way") in an adjudicated performance. Pitt seniors Laura Petruzelli and Ashley Anne Ruszkowski choreographed the dance. If selected, Pitt's Dance Ensemble will take part in the culminating festival gala dance performance March 19.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for the University of Pittsburgh students to participate in high-level dance classes and to see and be seen by other colleges and universities," said Susan Gillis Kruman, an instructor in the Department of Health and Physical Activity and faculty advisor to Pitt's Dance Ensemble who will accompany the students along with Gina Desko, an adjunct faculty member.

Pitt was a charter member of the American College Regional Dance Festival Association. Although not active in the organization for several years, with the official declaration in 2003 of a dance minor in the School of Education, Pitt re-established its membership in the association.

The School of Education, the Department of Health and Physical Activity, and the Pitt Dance Ensemble are providing funding for the trip.

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