February 11, 2019
La Roche College Dance Department to Present Annual Spring Gala
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 11, 2019 – La Roche University invites the public to its ninth annual Spring Gala dance performance on Friday, March 1.
The show will begin at 8 p.m. at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets are available at www.trustarts.org or 412-456-6666.
“The La Roche University Spring Gala is an annual performance that is focused entirely on our dance majors and our college preparatory students in the Bodiography Center for Movement Student Company,” Maria Caruso, performing arts department chair and Bodiography founder, said. “The show will highlight the versatility of the program’s artists as well as the department’s support of partnership programming.”
The performance will include a restaging of an abbreviated version of the third act of Marius Petipa's iconic “La Bayadere, Kingdom of the Shades” by faculty members Kirstie Corso and Melissa Tyler. The students will perform as the corps de ballet in this advanced piece, creating a beautiful scene where a warrior can once again reunite with his love who met a tragic end.
The evening event also will feature international U.K. guest artist Callum Newman, who will premiere a new work with nationally-recognized choreographers Jackie O’Toole, Gia Cacalano and Kelly Basil. Additionally there will be a restaging of Ms. Caruso’s “Pieces of My Puzzle” and alumna Christina DiMarco’s “Jet Set,” as well as student pieces created in Dance Composition I & II courses.
Modeled after the most elite collegiate dance programs in the country, La Roche’s performing arts program focuses on artistic and academic excellence. Under the instruction of Ms. Caruso, students become confident professionals and master numerous styles of dance. Ms. Caruso has maintained a 100-percent placement rate for her graduates.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has helped to transform a downtrodden section of downtown into a world-class cultural district that stands as a national model of urban revitalization through the arts. Touring Broadway, contemporary dance, family events, education and community engagement programs, and cutting-edge visual arts are among the variety of arts and entertainment the Trust presents and exhibits. Hundreds of artists, thousands of students and millions of people expand their horizons in its theaters, galleries and public art environments.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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