World Renowned Dance Company Coming to Mason

By Broadside Assistant Style Editor Pearson Jones

The internationally revered Philadelphia Dance Company, Philadanco, is bringing its extraordinary technique and style to George Mason University for a one-night show. The dance company’s endless repertoire of classic and contemporary dance performances have been praised by critics as powerful, unique and a show that simply lights up the stage. Founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, Philadanco has become one of the most renowned modern dance companies in the world, integrating numerous cultural influences into their performances, thereby reflecting their unique diversity.

The group’s performance will feature works by contemporary choreographers such as Gene Hill Sagan, whose romantic ballet “Ritornello” will include music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Christopher L. Huggins’ explosive “Enemy Behind the Gates.”

The Philadanco dancers will perform Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts. A pre-performance discussion will be held 45 minutes prior to the show for all ticket holders at the Center’s Grand Tier III. Tickets are available by phone at 888-945-2468 or at www.tickets.com.

From Feb. 2 through Feb. 28, the Fine Arts Gallery will display “Constructs VI,” a traveling art exhibit which features abstract paintings by Virginia and Washington, D.C. area artists.

“A construct is an object or a work that implies a process of building or layering,” said Walter Kravitz, director of the Fine Arts Gallery, in a press release. “Each artist in the ‘Constructs’ group maintains his or her voice in this process while still maintaining a belief in the abstract message. “

On Tuesday, Feb. 3 there will be an opening reception from 4-6 p.m. followed by a panel discussion from 6-7 p.m.

The exhibition features paintings by Sally Bowring, Don Crow, Steve Cushner, Chris Gregson, Steve Griffin, Reni Grower, Ron Johnson, , Ray Kass, Paul Ryan, Xavier Tapia and Dan Treado. Each exhibition presents different collections, assemblages and new series.

The exhibition is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.