Pima Dance Presents 'Progressions' - A Celebration of Movement, Music and Creativity, December 6-7

Tucson, Arizona – Get ready for an electrifying evening of dance as the Pima Dance Ensemble presents "Progressions" on December 6 & 7 at 7 p.m. at Pima Community College’s Proscenium Theatre! This dynamic showcase features a thrilling compilation of student, faculty, and guest choreography produced during the fall semester. Pima dance faculty member Jillian Peterson, alongside guest choreographers Marquez Johnson and Kevan Sullivan, will debut original works highlighting the ensemble's talents and versatility. Audiences will be captivated by an exciting mix of genres, including high-energy hip-hop, graceful contemporary ballet, powerful modern, and vibrant Bollywood. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of movement and creativity!

“Progressions” director Jillian Peterson, premieres her modern dance piece "Drowning Embers," which explores the dynamic forces of water and fire through the embodiment of gender and elemental duality. The women, representing fire, move with fierce intensity and passion, while the men, symbolizing water, bring fluidity, calm, and strength to the stage. This powerful interplay of contrasting elements and genders highlights how they coexist, each complementing and challenging the other.

Also featured is guest choreographer Kevan Sullivan’s contemporary ballet "Journey Towards the Sun," a work that follows eight dancers on their physical, mental, and emotional journeys toward connection and personal growth. Through solos, duets, and trios, the dancers reflect the power of community and support in reaching their shared goal of self-realization. Rounding out the evening is the energetic hip-hop piece "Lil' Aztecs," choreographed by Marquez Johnson, in which dancers incorporate their unique styles, inspired by Lil Wayne, to explore connection and movement within the up-tempo hip-hop genre.

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.

• What: Pima Dance presents “Progressions”
• When: December 6 & 7, 7 p.m.
• Where: Pima Community College West Campus Center for the Arts, 2202 West Anklam Road Tickets: $10 with discounts available; free for Pima students. The box office is open Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. and one hour prior to performances; 520-206-6986; centerforthearts@pima.edu; pimaarts.com.