Regional Dance America MidStates Festival
Young dancers from eight states will be gathering in Madison to take classes and perform in this three-day festival. Madison’s own Dance Wisconsin, directed by JoJean Retrum, has participated in the festival for 25 years and will be presenting five pieces in the evening performances, which are open to the public. Audiences will have three opportunities to see accomplished youth performing dance (ranging from contemporary to classical) with passion and finding their own creative identities. The opening night concert showcases works from emerging choreographers.
press release: Tickets are available for the evening performances online at the UW-Madison Campus Ticketing website.
On the Opening Showcase on Thursday evening, three Dance Wisconsin dancers will be presenting their new works -- Emily Ginocchio, currently a freshman at UW-Whitewater; Margaret Violante, currently a graduating senior; and Sarah Langdon, a junior at DeForest High School. On Friday evening, Chelsey Bradley will present her contemporary piece “Abyss,” and during the Saturday evening gala performance, Ashley Christensen’s piece “A Joyful Concerto” will be presented. Also on faculty is Nick Mullikin, former student of Monona Academy of Dance and current head of the School of Nashville Ballet and the second company of Nashville Ballet.