Save the Date
On Tap
More than 800 dancers and teachers will participate in the 24th annual Jazz On Tap festival at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta,
GA, this month. The 2011 festival includes master classes in tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop with teachers such as Jay Fagan, Katee Shean and Jared Jenkins, among others. Jazz On Tap culminates with four performances showcasing the festival’s top talent. Mar 3–6; dancefestinc.com
World Premiere for Hope Mohr Dance
Now in its fourth season, San Francisco’s Hope Mohr Dance presents the world premiere of Artistic Director Hope Mohr’s The Unsayable. Featuring music composed by Paul Haas, the work uses spoken word and movement to tell the true stories of war veterans. Mar 3–6; hopemohr.org
85 Years of Graham
This month, Martha Graham Dance Company marks its 85th anniversary with performances at Lincoln Center in NYC. The company celebrates the legacy of its founder by performing several of Graham’s iconic works, including Maple Leaf Rag—the last piece Graham choreographed before her death in 1991. Fashionistas in the audience should keep an eye out for stunning costumes designed by Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta. Mar 15–20; marthagraham.org
Cultural Connections
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
breaks from an extensive touring schedule this month to present a full evening of works from two esteemed Israeli choreographers at the Harris Theater in Chicago. The company’s spring series promotes cultural expression through movement, featuring world premieres by Ohad Naharin, the artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, and Sharon Eyal, Batsheva’s resident choreographer. Mar 17–20; hubbardstreetdance.com
Honoring a Legend
The New York International Ballet Competition pays tribute to its late founder Ilona Copen with a dinner and gala performance this month at New York University’s Skirball Center. Following performances by dancers from the nation’s major ballet companies, Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux will receive the first Ilona Copen award for their contributions to the artistic development of young dancers. Mar 22; nyibc.org
Photos top to bottom: Jazz on Tap festival students in class with Dustin Phillips, by Katrina Rodabaugh; Hope Mohr Dance, by Annie Day.
