The College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to present its 6th annual spring dance concert, Embracing Pangaea. The performance explores multiculturalism through dance, and features faculty, student and guest artist choreography.

Artistic Director Gretchen McLaine has re-staged excerpts from August Bournonville’s ballet entitled “Napoli.” Created in 1842, “Napoli” was inspired by the Danish choreographer’s travels and experiences in Italy. McLaine notes, “The technique is extremely difficult, not only with the technical demands required for the intricate and powerful jumps, but also in terms of the nuanced style and coordination inherent in Bournonville’s work. It’s an incredible challenge for the students to work in such an unfamiliar style.”

Guest artist and College of Charleston alumnus Julia Rodriguez is setting a work based on West African, cha-cha, and other folkloric dance styles. Rodriguez founded Buen Aché, a Charleston-based Afro-Latino dance company in 2006 and serves as the Artistic Director and principal choreographer.

Additionally, the concert will present two student works that will represent the college at the 2014 American College Dance Festival regional conference.

The concert will be held Saturday, March 15 through Monday, March 17 in the Emmett Robinson Theatre in the college’s Simons Center for the Arts at 54 St. Philip St. Performance times are 7:30 PM on Saturday and Monday night, and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for senior citizens and College of Charleston students, faculty and staff. Purchase tickets ONLINE, by email oleksiakm@cofc.edu, or by phone (843) 953-5604.