Pima Dance Presents 'Synthesis' - A Celebration of Movement, Music and Creativity

Tucson, Arizona – Pima Dance Ensemble, presents “Synthesis” on May 3 & 4 at 7 p.m. at Pima Community College’s Proscenium Theatre. “Synthesis” is a compilation of student, faculty and guest choreography produced during the spring semester. Pima faculty members Claire Hancock and Mickey Nugent, along with guest choreographer Charlotte Adams, will present original works for the Pima Dance Ensemble. Dance Ensemble members will present an array of student choreography, including jazz, hip hop, contemporary, Latin, Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dance. Pima’s new Ballet Folklórico class, instructed by faculty member Bruno Loya, pays special tribute to the Tucson dance community’s rich Latin American influences.

Pima’s inaugural professional choreographers series presents three choreographers. L’Astronome, a collaboration between choreographer Claire Hancock and composer Vincent Calianno, features three parts of a new large-scale theater work for an ensemble of 15 and showcases the Proscenium Theatre stage with a moving set, light and film projection. Guest choreographer Charlotte Adams presents a new work, “Defying Gravity,” with movement collaboration by eight Pima student dancers. Music is commissioned by a special guest, Tucson-based composer and musician Vicki Brown, playing live onstage with the dancers. Brown’s haunting score, performed on violin, creates an atmosphere of the yearning, struggle and beauty of taking flight. Mickey Nugent presents signature Fosse jazz choreography as seen in the musicals "Cabaret" and "Chicago" — a movement language that speaks for itself, with curved shoulders, hip rolls and thrusts, and famous jazz hands. The large cast entices the audience with sultry movements and sensuous poses.

The Pima Dance Ensemble provides dancers with the opportunity to perform, choreograph and participate in a wide range of dance experiences. The Dance Ensemble produces two concerts annually. Pima Dance offers technique classes in ballet, jazz, modern and ballet folklórico. Students also are encouraged to participate in Pima Dance Ensemble, Pima Dance Club, Pima Theater productions and community dance productions.

CONTACT:

Carina Garcia, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Arts Division - Pima Community College
clisalda@pima.edu, 520-206-3062

Claire Hancock, dance faculty, “Synthesis” director
chancock@pima.edu