Centenary Stage to Kick Off 2014 Dance Fest with Lustig Dance, 3/30

Each year, the New Jersey based Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has been instrumental in the movement to promote an appreciation for contemporary dance and supporting local dance companies. Through their support, the Centenary Stage Company (CSC) will be hosting the annual Dance Fest running March 29th through April 11th. This year's Dance Fest will feature the talents of Lustig Dance Theatre, The Art of Motion Dance Theatre and moe-tion dance theater all on the Sitnik Stage in the Lackland Center and will include two free workshops open to the public.

Lustig Dance Theatre is bringing two unique and creative dance pieces on Sunday, March 30th at 2pm. Lustig offers performances of high artistic quality imbued with virtuosity, energy, dynamics, and humanity that establish a meaningful connection with audiences. Artistic Director Graham Lustig has found his niche in the dance world by weaving storytelling and ballet into dynamic dance theatre pieces.

This performance will feature two of Lustig's popular repertory shows, "Jangala" and "Torch." "Jangala" mixes classical Indian dance and ballet in an urban jungle to re-tell the familiar stories found in Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" with monkeys jumping on trampolines, a cunning tigress, and a herd of buffalos in hard hats. Created with a family audience in mind and imbued with fun and enchanting moments, "Jangala" doesn't adhere to the typical imagery of a lush jungle and talking animals. Costumed in business suits trimmed with fur and imaginative accessories, the dancers rely on articulated movements to portray their characters. Backdrops and props bring explosive color reminiscent of an Indian sari to the production.

"Torch" is an exploration of modern torch songs by contemporary song writers, such as James Blunt, Amy Winehouse, and Regina Spektor reflecting the urban experience of young individuals seeking, finding, and sometimes losing loving relationships. The songs are performed live by a vocalist and guitarist.

On Saturday, March 29th, Lustig Dance will also host a FREE contemporary ballet workshop from 12:30-2:00 pm in the Lackland Dance Studio. This workshop is open to the public, ages 14 and up, with reservations required by calling the box office. Participants will receive a coupon to purchase a $10 rush ticket to Lustig's performance on the 30th.

The Art of Motion Dance Theatre (AOMDT) performs their show focused on "Legend, Myth & Nature" on Saturday, April 5th at 8 pm. The AOMDT is a repertory company based in Ridgewood, NJ, performing original works by Artistic Directors Lynn Needle, Olivia Galgano and guest artists Kent Lindemer and M.A. Taylor. Hailing from the Nikolais and Ballet Russe legacies, Needle and Galgano have created works defying logic. The multidisciplinary company features elaborate handmade costumes, conceived and constructed by visual and performing artist Annie Hickman. AOMDT was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal, and was hailed by Out and About as "absolutely fantastic".

A collaborative project, led by Needle and Galgano will include Centenary dance students partnering with breast cancer survivors to perform in a piece entited "BRCA1/Genome," named after the gene mutation that can lead to breast cancer. Students will dance to music composed by Dr. Linda Marcel, Professor of Music at Bergen Community College. Dr. Marcel wanted to unite science with music and have music be reflective of the Genome pattern in breast cancer patients. Dr. Ruth Grauert, a 1935 graduate of Centenary College, will be the lighting designer for this project. Ms. Grauert, who returns to campus after 78 years will be honored at a special alumni reception at 6:30 pm, prior to the show. Interested alumni can contact Deana Cynar at Alumni Relations at 908-852-1400 x 2250 or by e-mail at cynard@centenarycollege.edu.

moe-tion dance theater returns to close out CSC's Dance Fest on Friday, April 11th at 8pm. moe-tion is a contemporary modern dance company based in New Jersey. Under the artistic direction of Maureen Glennon, the company is dedicated to experimenting and creating new forms of expression. It seeks to promote an inclusive vision of the arts through the language of modern dance, painting, sculpture, photography, literature and live music creating productions that expose the community to multiple art forms in one event.

moe-tion dance theater's mission is to present a wide range of programs that educate, enrich and entertain including people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. To further this mission, Glennon will also be hosting a Day of Dance including FREE workshops open to the public for ages 14 and up, focusing on modern dance, improvisation, and musical theatre dance from 9:00 am-1:00 pm on Friday, April 11th. Reservations required by calling the box office. Day of Dance participants will receive a coupon to purchase a $10 rush ticket to that evening's performance. moe-tion will also incorporate local high school and college dance students in one of their collaborative community pieces.

All Dance Fest tickets are $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors/students, and $10 for children under 12. A Flex Pass to attend all three performances is available for $37.50. Dance Fest is sponsored in part by the North Jersey School of Dance Arts.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, at the CSC Box Office in The Lackland Center at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown, or by calling 908-979-0900. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 1-5 p.m.

Pictured: Lustig Dance Theatre: From Jangala, photo credit Ron Lessard.