Theatre UCF will present its 7th annual dance concert, “With a Twist,” April 18-21. The event is a showcase for the students in the University of Central Florida dance classes, as well as for the student designers in the theatre department.

The event, which takes place at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St, Orlando, is a perennial favorite, and nearly every performance for the past few years has sold out.

“There’s a little something for everyone in this year’s dance concert,” said Director Earl Weaver. “We’ve got classic ballet, jazz, modern dance, hip-hop, tap—the tap this year is through the roof! It’s a pretty spectacular lineup. We have a lot of seniors choreographing this year and their experience shows.”

Some highlights of the production include:

  • In addition to the student pieces, several dances are choreographed by faculty members. Weaver has choreographed “The Peacock Mystique,” which was inspired by student Jeffrey Peacock. Peacock is known in the Theatre Department for his dapper attire that includes bowties, glasses, and skinny pants. In the dance, Peacock teaches 20 fellow socially awkward friends how to dance with style to 60s’ doo-wop music.
  • The dance “Detention” is truly a student collaboration. Choreographer Candace Isaacs, a senior in the BA Theatre studies program, approached BFA Acting senior Terrance Jackson about composing a piece of hip-hop music for her dance. The two worked together to hit the perfect note.
  • Sophomore Abby Jaros and senior Parker Slaybaugh have jointly choreographed and will be the dancers for “For the Record.” The couple will perform a trio of dances to the music of Frank Sinatra, Bob Crosby, and Bing Crosby with Doris Day.
  • Ellis Endsley, a dancer with the Orlando Ballet School, will be a featured soloist in “The Kurayamino Variation.”

    • The concert is not just a showcase for the performers and choreographers. The event also highlights the work of the Theatre Department’s Design and Technology students, who fill the roles of designers and assistant designers.

    As a participant in the UCF Research and Mentoring Program, senior costume designer Melissa Palomino has spent the past year researching Cuban ballet. She collaborated with dance minor Nicole Gonzalez to create a showcase for her work. The dance, “Cuba Linda,” will be the first performance of the concert. In addition to the dance, Palomino’s research will be on display in the lobby for the duration of the production.
    Production at a glance:

     

    With a Twist 7th annual dance concert

    Directed by Earl D. Weaver

    8 p.m.: April 18, 19, 20

    2 p.m.: April 21

    Orlando Repertory Theatre

     

    Price: Standard $20, Senior $18, Student $10; Group discounts available.

     

    Address: 1001 E. Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

    Box Office Phone: 407-823-1500

    Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday:  noon to 6 p.m. and 2 hours before performances

                                                                

    For more information about Theatre UCF, visit http://theatre.ucf.edu.