Zodiaque continues innovation at spring concert

The Zodiaque Dance Company continues its longstanding tradition of innovation and collaboration for the company’s 43rd spring concert March 1-5, with UB computer science and design technology students helping to create high-tech costumes for the performances.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Arts, North Campus.

UB dance students performing in two works will wear special LED-based costumes created by guest costume designer Jen Dasher, in collaboration with Jon Shimon, assistant professor of design and technology in the Department of Theatre and Dance. UB students worked with Dasher and Shimon in developing, coding and constructing the costumes. The project was funded by the Morris Visiting Artist Fund.

​The dance works featured in the concert embody Zodiaque’s founding vision of presenting classical styles alongside new works that stretch the definition of what dance can be. They include works choreographed by faculty members Melanie Aceto, Anne Burnidge, Jenna DelMonte and Kerry Ring; Zodiaque alums Richard Ashworth, a Chicago based tap artist, and artist-in-residence Jon Lehrer; and guest choreographers Julia Mayo, a member of the DeSales University dance faculty, and Bessie Award-winner Jennifer Nugent, a 2016-17 artist-in-residence with UB’s Creative Arts Initiative.

Lighting design is by theatre and dance student Jeremiah King.

Tickets to the Zodiaque Dance Company’s 43rd spring concert are $20 for general admission and $10 for students from any school and seniors, and may be purchased at the Center for the Arts box office or online at Tickets.com.

The Department of Theatre and Dance’s 2016-17 season takes inspiration from humanity, one of the five named UB 2020 themes.