The Pottstown Dance Theatre Repertory Ensemble, as part of the 50-Year Celebration of Dance in the Tri-County Area, performs “A Time to Dance” at The Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center (Ursinus College) on May 2 at 7:30 p.m., as well as May 3 at 3 p.m. The performance includes works set by artistic director and international dance artist Michelle Jones Wurtz, as well as works set by former principal Kirov dancers Andrei Ustinov and Elena Martinson. Long time instructor and performer, Diane Alex-Brody, will also set two, new original works.
Performing in this venue is not new for these dancers, as they performed “Contemporary Beauty” there in the spring of 2013; but this performance will also include the work of guest choreographer Alassane Wat of Paris, France. He has worked with a “Who’s Who” of performers throughout Europe including dancers from Moulin Rouge, Warsaw Ballet and “So You Think You Can Dance.” International pianist Jeff Nations will also play original live music as part of the final piece.
The Pottstown Dance Theatre was founded in 1964 by Phyllis Dersh Rudzitis, and in 2001, Ms. Wurtz became the new director. Under her direction, students have performed at the International Dance Festival in Poland (where Ms. Wurtz met Mr. Wat), in London during the 2012 Olympic Games and at the Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2006, international ballet masters Andrei Ustinov and Elena Martinson joined the faculty and in 2014, Jeff Nations graced the stage with his musical talents for “The Nutcracker: A Christmas Extravaganza.” Mr. Nations will now perform “The Body of Your Dreams” by contemporary Dutch composer Jacob ter Veldhuis, originally commissioned by Deutschlandfunk. Jacob’s work has been used for dance spectacles in the Netherlands, and this comedic piece was uniquely designed for piano and boombox. This type of work is rarely seen in the U.S.
Tickets for adults are $18 if purchased in advance ($21 at the box office) and $14 for students/seniors if purchased in advance ($17 at the box office) and are available at the Pottstown Dance Theatre or online at www.pottstowndance.com. For more information visit the website or call the Dance Theatre at 610-323-2569.
