Zodiaque Dance Company celebrates 50 years

As the Zodiaque Dance Company celebrates its 50th anniversary, the excitement in the Department of Theatre and Dance is palpable. Since its inception, the company has been a pillar of artistic excellence and innovation at UB, uniting generations of dancers, choreographers and educators. With “Celebration 50” the theme for the company’s landmark anniversary concerts this week, Zodiaque continues to honor its storied past while looking ahead to an exciting future filled with possibility.

The company presents its “Celebration 50 Fall Program” in performances set for tonight through Sunday. The 50th Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday. The festivities begin with a pre-show awards ceremony in the Center for the Arts atrium, followed by the Celebration 50 Fall Program and a post-show dance party, also in the atrium.

While the gala on Saturday is sold out, tickets are still available for the other performances this weekend. 

Zodiaque, founded in 1974 by Linda Swiniuch, is UB’s eminent pre-professional dance company. Swiniuch chose the name “Zodiaque” to symbolize the diversity and versatility of the company’s performances. The name, evoking celestial bodies, also represents the dancers themselves —"the future stars that light up our stage” — as they strive to become impactful performers, educators and choreographers.

For 50 years, Zodiaque has stayed true to this aspirational vision, showcasing a wide range of dance styles that highlight the versatility of its dancers and the breadth of what a UB dance degree can offer.

Kerry Ring, teaching professor of dance and current artistic director of Zodiaque, reflects on the journey that has led the company to this historical moment. “I’m ready to celebrate all those who have come before me as director, and all who have led to the consistency and the excellence of this company,” Ring says.

Having navigated the company through the challenges of COVID-19, she emphasizes the importance of this milestone — not only as a time to honor the past but also as an opportunity to inspire the future of dance at UB.

“This concert is a reminder to the UB community that this is a resource for them,” Ring says. “This art is made and can be shared to uplift them, to help them learn more about the art form. It’s a joyous moment to come together and celebrate with our alums.”

"Celebration 50" highlights the incredible legacy of more than 700 Zodiaque alumni. It’s also an important moment for current dancers, their families and new audiences who are just beginning to discover the transformative power of movement and dance.

Ring says she hopes the event will motivate and deepen appreciation for dance, even among those unfamiliar with the art form. “The concert should stand on its own as a wonderful experience in art, whether they have a connection to the company or not.”

This year’s celebration will also introduce two new scholarships: the Tom Ralabate UB Design and Technology Award, established by Professor Emeritus Tom Ralabate, and the Renée Conners-Wilkins and Brian Wilkins Dance Education Award, created by UB alum Renée Conners-Wilkins. These scholarships symbolize a continued commitment to the professional development of future generations of Zodiaque dancers and designers.

Co-director and Zodiaque alumnus Michael Deeb Weaver is excited to honor the history and future of the company. “It’s a celebration of the past and what UB has always been about while looking ahead to what UB Dance can become,” he says.

For Deeb Weaver, the anniversary concert is an opportunity to reflect on the careers of Zodiaque alumni who have gone on to do incredible things — on Broadway, in dance companies and beyond.

“Seeing what that can do to propel us forward, making connections with the greater community, the regional and national community, is what’s most exciting," says Deeb Weaver, assistant teaching professor of dance.

Deeb Weaver also hopes the concert will rekindle the passion for dance that has brought together generations of UB dancers.

“I hope everyone walks away remembering why they fell in love with dance in the first place,” he says. “That love of dance and art is what unites us and shows us that our differences are less important than this thing we share in common.”

True to its motto, “Versatility Matters,” Zodiaque continues to challenge its dancers with a range of techniques and styles. The upcoming concert program promises to display this versatility, with pieces that take the audience on an artistic journey, evoking the feeling of walking through a gallery of different works.

“We’re really good at the collaborative process here at UB,” Ring explains. “We work with alumni designers and current students to design scenic elements and costumes, creating a full array of art on display in the concert.”

Lighting, technical design and choreography come together to craft an immersive experience for the audience. “I can’t wait for people to see the concert,” she says.

The celebration extends beyond the performance, with opportunities for alumni, students, and supporters to reconnect during the gala and after-party. Deeb Weaver describes the “buzz” that fills the theater and the excitement that builds during intermission and after the show.

“There’s something magical about watching dancers take that final bow. It’s viscerally exciting as an audience member to witness the energy and joy of the dancers, and to experience a raucous applause,” Deeb Weaver says.

As Zodiaque moves into its next 50 years, its commitment to artistry and education remains unwavering. The introduction of new scholarships, the engagement of alumni as guest artists and choreographers, and the continuous innovation in performances all reflect the company’s dedication to nurturing the future of dance at UB.

For those who wish to support Zodiaque but cannot attend the concert, there are options to contribute through crowdfunding.

“Contributing to a scholarship is the best option for people who really want to impact the dancers,” Ring explains, emphasizing that every donation, no matter the size, helps support the future of dance at UB. These funds will go toward upgrading the theater space, securing guest artists and ensuring that Zodiaque remains a resource for Western New York and beyond.

Ring sums up the essence of this milestone celebration: “My hope is that this celebration will provide a space for people to recognize that Zodiaque Dance Company exists on campus, and that there will always be performance each semester.”

Zodiaque is not just a performance group: It’s a community, a legacy and a living testament to the power of dance. As it honors its past and embraces its future, Zodiaque invites everyone to join in the celebration of 50 years of movement, artistry and inspiration.