SRU’s Dance Department to showcase seniors at BFA concert, April 27-28

April. 16, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - As graduation is approaching at Slippery Rock University, seven graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts dance majors are proud to announce their final dance showcase titled "Through It All: A BFA Dance Concert" with three unique shows, April 27-28 at the Stoner West Dance Studio Theater. The showcase serves as a culmination of research, dedication and learning for the students, expressed in one final showcase with each performance concluding with a senior dance choreographed by Pittsburgh-based choreographer and artist James Washington Manning.

Show times and dates are 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 27, and 2 p.m., April 28. Tickets are $10 for general admission and can be purchased online at sru.universitytickets.com.

"A tenacious, creative and multi-talented senior class will present their capstone creative projects with three shows over one weekend," said Jennifer Keller, SRU professor of dance. "Beginning their collegiate journey at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, these artists have been through it all, emerging with passion and dedication to their chosen field."

The seven seniors will present various dance types, such as modern, contemporary, jazz and improvisation. While each showcase will feature different senior performances, the themes among all will include humanity and culture, relationships, social constructs and other multidisciplinary outlets. One performance by SRU senior Jordan Iwaskewycz explores the medium of projection through dance, showcasing the effect that technology has on society in having to navigate new possibilities from technology.

The seven senior BFA dance majors presenting are:

• Vilija Burnelis, a senior dance major from Moon Township.
• Gabrielle Dunn, a senior dance major from Pittsburgh.
• Olivia Farmerie, a senior dance major from Butler.
• Gianna Henriquez, a senior dance major from Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
• Jordan Iwaskewycz, a senior dual dance and management major from Ambridge.
• Sarah Salesky, a senior dance major from Philadelphia.
• Grace Venatta, a senior dual dance and history major from Saxonburg.

More information about the BFA dance program at SRU is available on the Dance Department's webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | [email protected]