University of Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble to Hold Formal Dance Concert, “Orchesis,” April 1 and 2

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble will present its formal dance concert, “Orchesis,” at 8 p.m. April 1 and 2 in the seventh-floor Auditorium of Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave, Oakland. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the general public. Public parking is available. 

The Greek word for dance, “Orchesis” was the original name for the Pitt Dance Ensemble. This year’s show will include works in jazz, tap, musical theater, and modern created by students and professional choreographers. 

Pitt senior Leah Dowdy choreographed two pieces for the show. Her dance “Cinematigraphic” is a depiction of a love story woven through scores from several popular films; a second dance, “Eden,” traces the evolution of humans through time. Pitt senior Jessica Sankey’s evocative dance “Walking on a Thin Line” will feature five students tapping to the music of “Seven Nation Army.” Other Pitt student choreographers include Kelli Gabriel, Greg McCummings, Jasmine Singson, Christiana Thurton, Kaitlin Weaver, and Shannon Werkmeister. 

Guest choreographers include Michelle Hall Dawson, formerly a dancer with the Dance Alloy Theater in Pittsburgh and Mad Shak Dance Company in Chicago, and Joe Nickel, a professional choreographer and dancer from the Pittsburgh area. 

Susan Gillis-Kruman is the advisor to the Dance Ensemble and is a School of Education faculty member. She has provided her expertise in dance education as the director of the Dance Ensemble since 1978. Gillis-Kruman recently was appointed by the Arts Education Collaborative to serve on its advisory council.

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