Performances celebrate 15 years of dance at ONU

ADA - Alums of the Ohio Northern University dance program will have a homecoming of sorts this weekend with performances paying homage to the program's 15th anniversary.

Dance alumni and current students will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts. Four of the returning graduates helped choreograph the performances and six will dance. Other alums will be in the audience, according to Laurie Bell, ONU director of dance and resident artist.

"When we started (the dance program) we thought if we had six students ... that would be good. Now we have 28 and their technical level is higher," Bell said. "At first (15 years ago) everyone was a beginner. Now a great many are advanced and come into the program with higher (skills)."

This is impressive, she said, because the dance program is only offered as a minor.

"We don't claim to train dance professionals, but many alums are working in the field," Bell said. The skills and the knowledge they gain here qualifies them to work as professional dancers and choreographers.

The shows will reflect multiple styles of dance: ballroom, modern, tap, jazz and musical theater, and include a performance called "Big," which Bell said was the very first piece ONU commissioned for the fledging dance program.

A pre-show question-and-answer panel discussion with program alumni begins at 7:15 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door or by calling 419-772-1900.

WHAT: 15 Years of Dance at ONU

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Ohio Northern University Freed Center for the Performing Arts, 525 S. Main St., Ada

COST: $15

FOR MORE INFO: 419-772-1900 or www.freedcenter.com