Back to Buffalo: UB Dance Alumni All-Star Concert Performance to Benefit the Center for the Arts' Dance Residency Program

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Back To Buffalo: UB Dance Alumni All-Star Concert at 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. The performance is sponsored by the UB Alumni Association.

Community outreach is integral to the mission of the Center for the Arts, and the Dance Residency Outreach Program is a staple of this initiative. The Dance Residency program brings professional dance companies into area schools and art academies for workshops, demonstrations and performances. Since 1997, over a dozen professional visiting companies have provided more than 20,000 students with free dance performances and workshops.

Additionally, the program helps attract prospective students and affords UB dance majors the opportunity to take part in master classes with these renowned artists. This program not only allows the center to give back to the community, but also helps UB provide its students with an amazing experience and connections in the performing arts that lead to jobs after graduation.

This year, patrons have the opportunity to help make this incredible program possible and provide opportunity to area students by purchasing tickets to this performance. Featuring seven well-known UB Dance Alumni (and the choreography of two more), all proceeds from the performance will go towards making the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project March 2010 residency possible.

Currently scheduled to perform (bios available at www.ubcfa.org): . Cesar G. Salinas (Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago), Donielle EJ Janora (DanzEmergencee, Jeff Shade Dance Project), Gina Pero (Rockette - The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, television, film), Karen Schupp (performer, choreographer, Arizona State University faculty), Roberto Villanueva (Complexions, Steeledance, and Marie-Christine Giordano Dance Company), Richard "Fusion" Ashworth (Chicago Tap Theater), Rene Giglia (dancer and choreographer, Los Angeles film and television industry)

In addition, UB's Zodiaque Dance Company will perform a piece choreographed by Jon Lehrer. Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble will also perform a piece by alum and current faculty member Joyce Miller-Lichtenberger.

Master Classes will be offered for both junior students (ages 12-15) and advanced students (16 and up) on Sept. 27. Visit http://www.ubcfa.org for registration details.

Tickets for Back to Buffalo: UB Dance Alumni All-Star Concert are $26.50 general admission and students $13. Tickets are available in the Center for the Arts Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at all Ticketmaster locations including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets call 1-800-745-3000, in Canada 416-870-8000. For more information call 716-645-2787.