Four in the Mix A Day of Dance and Performance

 

Houston, TX – Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston presents the best dancers and choreographers from Houston’s Universities and Colleges Saturday, February 6 at 8:00 p.m. Four in the Mix features Houston’s leading dance programs from Sam Houston State University, University of Houston, Rice University and Houston Community College – Central.

Sam Houston Dancers, led by Dance Department Chair Jennifer Pontuis, are from Sam Houston State University. This team delivers a dynamic, holistic, challenging experience that integrates creativity, performance and scholarly pursuits designed to prepare each student for a 21st century career in dance. Lindzay Duplessis, a New Orleans native and graduate of Sam Houston State University, choreographed “The Hunt” in collaboration with dancers. Grace Wilson choreographed “Phantasmagoria” to music by Sachienne and Grouper.

The Dance Ensemble, under the leadership of Teresa Chapman, is the pre-professional performing company at the University of Houston that offers students the opportunity to practice performance skills, challenging them technically and physically.  The two pieces being presented by the Dance Ensemble are “The-Mari-Go-Round Broke Down” by Josh Eguina a junior at U of H and “Natural Disaster” by Katrina Henry who received a degree in Dance from U of H.

Rice Dance Theatre, part of the Rice Dance program, is a student dance company that provides individuals with opportunities to perform, choreograph and study contemporary technique as well as develop general skills related to dance production.  “A Sense of Place” choreographed by Heather vonReichbauer the Assistance Director of Dance Programs at Rice University and who serves as the Artistic Director of Rice Dance Theatre is a quartet that is very sculptural.  Their second piece choreographed by Lydia Hance entitled “Ouroboros Miniatures” incorporates lots of movement for five dancers.

Central Dance Ensemble is Houston Community College – Central campus premiere contemporary dance ensemble under the direction of Maggie Lasher. Maggie choreographed “Only in Sleep” to music by Ēriks Ešenvalds. “The piece is lyrical/contemporary, pensive, dreamy and melancholy” is how Maggie describes her work.  Chris Thomas has created “Breakthough” a Hip-Hop upbeat, fun piece for Central Dance Ensemble.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring these four schools together in one evening of dance in the Kaplan Theatre,” said Maxine Silberstein, Dance Month Coordinator.

Dance concerts take place in the Kaplan Theatre, I W Marks Theatre Center. Purchase tickets at www.erjcchouston.org or call the box office at 713.551.7255. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre is funded in part by Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center Patron of the Arts, a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment, and RBC Wealth Management.  Marriott Houston Westchase is the official hotel for Dance Month.

Photo Caption: Sam Houston State University Dancers are one of four dance programs from Houston’s Universities presenting their unique dance and choreography during Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre’s Four in the Mix presentation Saturday, February 6, 2016.  

Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Houston is a non-profit organization that provides quality programs for all members of the family including infants, school-aged children, teens, adults and seniors. Evelyn Rubenstein JCC provides more than $350,000 in scholarship aid to area families in need thanks to the generous support received, in part, from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the United Way. Arts & Culture events are generously supported by Patrons of the Arts and The Maurice Amado Foundation.