Zodiaque 34 -- Celebration Rising to be Performed in Drama Theatre

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University at Buffalo will present Zodiaque Dance Company: Zodiaque 34 -- Celebration Rising at 8 p.m. on Feb. 22, 23, 28, 29 and March 1 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 and March 2 in the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

Zodiaque Dance Company, which celebrates its 34th year in 2007-08, embraces a diversity of styles in both dance and dancers. Zodiaque serves as a professional training ground for emerging dancers and student choreographers to evolve into intelligent and resourceful working artists.

Two guest artists will set works on the Zodiaque Company this spring. Mark Santilliano will create a new work: "Off the Deep End." This is his first time working with the Zodiaque Company. Santilliano, a former member of the famed Pilobulus Dance Company, also teaches at Mercyhurst College and has his own company.

Terri Filips, associate professor at Niagara University, will also create a new work for the company. Her work explores inventive partnering and rhythm layering in a stylized tap work -- "Break Thru."

The Zodiaque Dance Fund has made Santilliano's and Filips' work with the company possible.

Four dance faculty members will also contribute new works to the performance: from a contemporary Paso Doble, to a fresh outlook on Lennon and McCartney's lyrics, to a view through Frank Lloyd Wright's windows. Works from Jeanne Fornarola, Joyce Miller Lichtenberger, Tom Ralabate and Kerry Ring will complete the company's spring concert.

The concert also brings two student choreographers to the studio and stage -- Sarah Kaye and Hayley Sunshine. The vision and youthful insight that these promising artists create is an exciting addition to the concert. The Zodiaque Dance Company concerts also allow and encourage student technicians to hone their skills in a professional setting. Design students Collin Ranney and Susan Zorn will create costumes and lights, respectfully, for the concert.

Tickets for Zodiaque Dance Company are $16 general admission, and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. Students (of any school) must present valid student ID at the Center Box Office to receive discount.