Get Down and Dirty with Attack Theatre

Attack Theatre presents The Down & Dirty Dance Party on October 20th, 2017 at The Vault at Spirit Hall in Lawrenceville

With signature flair, Attack Theatre is taking over Spirit Hall on October 20th, 2017 for a one-night-only extravaganza. The Down & Dirty Dance Party will feature exclusive Attack Theatre performances, an immersive light experience by Ian Brill, a cash bar, and four different DJ’s throwing beats guaranteed to set your dancing shoes and grooves on fire. This event is for the “20-somethings, retirees, starving artists and bankers,” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) and it will all go down in The Hall at Spirit in Lawrenceville on Friday, October 20th, 2017.

In Attack Theatre fashion, this dance party would not be complete without exclusive dance performances. Pop-up performances will happen throughout the night, as the company showcases creative works from this season and beyond.

Attendees will revel to the sounds of four different DJs under the immersive light installation Vault by Ian Brill, on display in Spirit Hall through November 12th. The soundscape for the evening will flow through a fusion of global beats, soul and funk, gay power music, and italo-disco and new wave.

DJs to spin at the event are Pandemic Pete, DJ Gordy G of TITLE TOWN, DJ GBT and Purr Ubu

Check out the Facebook Event page here This event is for ages 21 and older only

Attack Theatre invites audiences to join them in creating their most audacious event to date by breaking out their most daring outfits and leave-it-all-on-the-dance-floor moves to make the second Down & Dirty Dance Party an event not to forget. More information can be found here.

Down & Dirty Dance Party is on October 20, 2017 at Spirit Hall, 242 51st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

TICKETS: General Admission: Pay what moves you!
Tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.attacktheatre.com/down
Tickets can be purchased here.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School to Host Audition for Intensive Summer Training Program

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 PITTSBURGH, PA  –  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School invites advanced ballet students to audition on Jan. 28, for its five-week Intensive Summer Program, an immersive training experience designed for students interested in pursuing careers in dance.  

Registration opens at 1 p.m. and the audition starts promptly at 1:30 p.m. at PBT Studios, 2900 Liberty Avenue, in the Strip District. Students can find audition guidelines at www.pbt.org.

The five-week program – held from June 26, to July 29, –  offers talented dancers a wide-ranging curriculum of ballet technique, partnering, pointe, repertoire, jazz and modern dance led by resident and guest instructors with extensive professional dance experience. The program welcomes students age 12 and older.

The Pittsburgh audition is part of a nation-wide audition tour that kicked off the first week of January. By Feb. 5, the school’s artistic team will visit 34 cities and 20 states and audition as many 800 prospective students. The school also held an audition in Osaka, Japan, in August and awarded invitations to students from international ballet competitions in Japan and Taiwan.

PBT School will recruit more than 200 students to live and train in Pittsburgh this summer. The majority of students come from out of state, and PBT School also welcomes a number of international students who audition by video or on-site at the Japan Grand Prix.

Under the direction of PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Co-directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, ISP students attend classes six days a week and take workshops on nutrition, choreography, injury prevention and the psychology of dance. PBT School offers students housing at its student residence, Byham House, in Lawrenceville as well as Chatham University residence halls.

WATCH/LISTEN: ‘Burgh Vivant’s 2013 interview with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Terrence S. Orr

The tour also auditions students for PBT School’s “Company Experience ” workshop in June and for its 2017-2018 Pre-professional Program, which runs from September to May.

The Company Experience workshop, June 12-23, offers a select group of pre-professional dancers, ages 16 and up, the chance to preview what it’s like to be part of a professional company and learn choreography from PBT dancers, artistic staff and choreographers.

PBT School’s year-round Pre-professional Program is recognized as one of the nation’s finest for professional-track dancers. Admission is by audition only, and the curriculum includes 25-30 hours of ballet training per week. Students come from around the country and internationally to attend the program each year, and more than 50 percent of PBT’s professional company dancers are alumni.

About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

Under the direction of PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr and School Co-Directors Marjorie Grundvig and Dennis Marshall, PBT School provides a diverse dance curriculum to more than 1,000 students annually across its Children’s, Student, Pre-Professional and Adult Community Divisions.  Ranging from pre-ballet to Pre-professional, PBT School fosters the expression, discipline and joy of ballet at every level and cultivates the next generation of professional dancers. Strengthened by daily exposure to the professional company, PBT School students experience training that extends from the studio to main-stage performance opportunities in PBT productions at the Benedum Center. 

JEZEBEL BEBBINGTON D’OPULENCE – Female Impersonator

TONIGHT: cocktails with the divine Jezebel Bebbington D’Opulence, as she prepares for her starring role in the upcoming CORNINGWORKS dance production RIGHT OF WAY. Get the scoop on the show, how Jezebel got her start on the stage, and opening for Chaka Kahn! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more of Jezebel’s musings on the Pittsburgh Drag scene, day jobs, sports, how the art of female impersonation has changed over the years, and Adele’s “Hello.” See RIGHT OF WAY by CORNINGWORKS, March 30 through April 3rd, 2016, www.corningworks.org  Continue reading “JEZEBEL BEBBINGTON D’OPULENCE – Female Impersonator”

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KURTIS SPROWLS – Company Dancer, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

TONIGHT a visit to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for a chat and a few laughs with company dancer Kurtis Sprowls. Whats happening on stage this season? What’s the hardest thing about ballet? Is it too late for Brian Edward to make it as a professional dancer? Find out here! Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for more on Pittsburgh Ballet’s 2015-2016 season, what dancers do out and about in the city, and a ballet about pizza. Visit Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at www.pbt.org   Continue reading “KURTIS SPROWLS – Company Dancer, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre”

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KAREN PRUNZIK – Broadway actress, dance instructor

TONIGHT: It’s a star-studded ‘Burgh Vivant as host Brian Edward chats with Broadway veteran and dance instructor Karen Prunzik at her Pittsburgh studio. This evening, you’ll hear riveting tales of her Tony nomination, auditioning for Gower Champion, originating the role of Anytime Annie in 42ND STREET, and working with Ann Miller! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wonder why you haven’t received a Christmas card from Gene Kelly! Listen to “The Full Martini” – The complete, unedited interview in audio podcast to hear more fascinating stories on how Karen’s studio got its start, trying on costumes at Debbie Reynolds’ house – PLUS, Karen’s perspectives on the Pittsburgh Theatre & Dance scene, and her advice to yound, aspiring performers! Visit Karen Prinzik’s Broadway Dance Studio at www.prunziksbroadwaydancestudio.com

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The Conservatory Dance Company announces 2015-2016 Season

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PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company announces the 2015-2016 season, which features pieces by Sonya Tayeh of ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ all-male contemporary dance company MADBOOTS, and Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet, Septime Webre.

This season will also feature the world premiere of an evening-length production called Five, conceived and choreographed by department of dance chair, Rubén Graciani, and faculty member Kiesha Lalama.

The Conservatory Dance Company 2015-2016 season subscriptions, which save patrons up to 35% off single ticket prices, are available now and can be purchased for $72. Single tickets are $20-24 and will go on sale at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 8. Those who purchase three subscriptions get the fourth free. To order a season subscription, contact the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office by phone 412.392.8000.

The 2015-2016 Conservatory Dance Company season:

Student Choreography Project
Thursday, Oct. 1 – Saturday, Oct. 3
George Rowland White Performance Studio, Point Park University

A Conservatory Dance Company tradition, the Student Choreography Project opens the season with a showcase of original choreography by the Conservatory’s top students. Selections from the Student Choreography Project are annually chosen for national dance festivals, including 2013’s “Til the End,” choreographed and performed by John O’Neill and Jennifer Florentino at the National College Dance Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

This year, in addition to the ticketed performances Thursday – Saturday, there will be an open festival of additional student choreography staged in the GRW Performance Studio throughout the day on Sunday, October 4.

 

Contemporary Choreographers
Choreographed by Gregory Dolbashian, Ori Flomin, Jessica Hendricks, and Septime Webre
Friday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Nov. 22
George Rowland White Performance Studio, Point Park University

Featuring four choreographers of current renown and diverse experiences, Contemporary Choreographers offers two weekends of cutting edge dance. Pieces by Dolbashian, Flomin, and Hendricks will emphasize each choreographer’s unique vision and style, while artistic director of the Washington Ballet, Septime Webre, will present his hit rock and roll ballet, “Fluctuating Hemlines.”   

 

Point Park Connections
Friday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 13
George Rowland White Performance Studio, Point Park University

Point Park Connections features an array of dance styles as exciting and varied as our adjunct dance faculty. Working closely with the Conservatory students to teach and refine technique, the adjunct faculty members create a level of familiarity and collaboration that brings remarkable results to the stage. Choreographers and piece titles to be announced.

 

Five
Choreographed by Rubén Graciani and Kiesha Lalama
Friday, Feb. 5 – Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016
Rockwell Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse

Department of Dance chair Rubén Graciani and faculty member Kiesha Lalama collaborate to debut a brand new work with the Conservatory Dance Company. Performed with a live choir on the Rockwell Theatre stage, Five takes us inside the minds and senses of the dancers to reflect on the difficult choices we make every day. In 2009, Lalama’s full-length, multimedia dance piece, The Bench premiered in the same theatre to critical acclaim, with a commercial production pending.

 

Conservatory Dance Company at Point Park University
Thursday, Feb. 25 – Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016
George Rowland White Performance Studio, Point Park University

Point Park University faculty choreograph an eclectic and electric selection of pieces sure to entertain. Styles ranging from ballet to contemporary to Jazz illustrate the impressive talents of the Conservatory students. Choreographers and pieces to be announced.

 

Conservatory Dance Company at the Byham Theater
Choreographed by Mad Boots, Larry Keigwin, Matthew Powell, and Sonya Tayeh

Thursday, April 14 – Saturday, April 16, 2016
Byham Theater, Cultural District

One of the biggest shows of the Conservatory Dance Company season, this performance at the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District features pieces by some of the hippest names in contemporary American dance. Sonya Tayeh of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ fame will choreograph a world-premiere piece alongside works by Matthew Powell and contemporary duo MADBOOTS. Larry Keigwin will present “Triptych,” a minimalist, abstract piece inspired by the classic triptychs of photography.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents Free “Ballet Under the Stars” at Hartwood Acres

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PITTSBURGH, PA – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre ushers in a new ballet season with an al fresco evening of picnicking, family fun and “Ballet Under the Stars” on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Hartwood Acres’ Middle Road Concert Area. “Ballet Under the Stars” begins at 5 p.m. with free family activities and a VIP dinner with the dancers before the free mixed repertory performance at 7:30 p.m.

As part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert series, “Ballet Under the Stars” gives audiences the first look at the 2015-2016 Season company roster – including new dancers Jessica McCann, Emily Simpson and Kurtis Sprowls – before the main-stage season officially opens in October.

This year’s program will debut an original work choreographed by PBT Principal Dancer Yoshiaki Nakano, a six-year company member. Set to Mozart music, the work marks Nakano’s first for the company. He has previously choreographed on the Pre-Professional students of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and for performances of the Dancers Trust, a local organization founded to support retiring dancers through career transitions.

“We are thrilled to feature new work by Yoshiaki Nakano, who is an emerging choreographic talent within our own ranks,” said PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. “It will be an exciting challenge for him as an artist – and for the dancers he will be creating with – to originate a new work that is 100% our own. His style blends classical technique with an inventive, contemporary movement style. I’m looking forward to what is sure to be a high-energy work.”

Also on the program, PBT will reprise the virtuosic “Pas d’action” and the “Golden Idol” solo from the classical story ballet “La Bayadère,” which closed PBT’s 45th Anniversary Season in April. The scenes highlight high-caliber classical technique from some of the ballet’s leading characters: the warrior Solor, the Radjah’s daughter, Gamzatti, and the mysterious Golden Idol.

Finally, the program revisits another 45th Anniversary highlight: Mark Morris’ sunny “Sandpaper Ballet,” an ensemble work set to the cheerful tunes of “Sleigh Ride,” “The Typewriter” and nine other ‘40s and ‘50s classics by American composer LeRoy Anderson. The work features 25 dancers costumed in electric green jumpsuits with whimsical, blue-sky torsos.

Audience members also can take advantage of a special single ticket presale for PBT’s 2015-2016 Season, which opens Oct. 23-25, at the Benedum Center with Mixed Repertory #1 featuring George Balanchine’s “Western Symphony,” William Forsythe’s “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated” and Jiří Kylián’s “Sinfonietta.”

Pre-Performance Activities

Free Family Activities (Free)- 5-7 p.m.

Audiences can arrive early for free family fun, including crafts, balloon animals, photo opportunities, ballerina dress-up and dance activities on the lawn. Concessions will be available from 5-7 p.m. from food trucks BRGR , vegan-friendly Randita’s and The Pop Stop.
                                                                                             

Dinner with the Dancers – 5-7 p.m. (Ticket required)

PBT will host a pre-show barbecue dinner under the PBT tent with dancers and artistic staff to benefit PBT repertory, student scholarships and education programs. Guests will enjoy dinner, drinks and musical entertainment. Tickets are $75 for adults and $20 for children (ages 12+). For tickets, visit www.pbt.org or call 412-454-9138.

 

About the 2015-2016 Season
From the choreography of George Balanchine to the music of Johnny Cash, PBT’s five-ballet lineup features major contemporary choreographers, audience favorite “Peter Pan,” holiday classic “The Nutcracker” and the company premiere of the full-length classic “Le Corsaire” with the PBT Orchestra. The five-ballet season runs October through April. Season ticket packages start at $69 and are available online at www.pbt.org or by calling 412-454-9107. Single ticket sales open Aug. 24, at www.pbt.org or 412-456-6666.

·         Mixed Repertory #1: Western Symphony, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated and “Sinfonietta”
Featuring the PBT Orchestra / Oct. 23-25, 2015 / Benedum Center

·         The Nutcracker
Dec. 4-27, 2015 / Benedum Center

·         Peter Pan
Feb. 12-21, 2016 / Benedum Center

·         Mixed Repertory #2: Man in Black, Jardin Aux Lilas (Lilac Garden), Eternal Idol
March 10-13, 2016 / Byham Theater

·         Le Corsaire with the PBT Orchestra
April 15-17, 2016 / Benedum Center

About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
One of the most exciting ballet companies in the United States, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence and innovation since its founding in 1969. Its eclectic style and irrepressible energy have been shaped by four distinguished artistic directors over four decades. In the 1980s, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Patricia Wilde led the Company to new heights and national acclaim with an emphasis on virtuosic technique and works by the modern masters, including her mentor, George Balanchine. Since 1997, the Company has flourished under the direction of Terrence S. Orr, former American Ballet Theatre ballet master and principal dancer. Mr. Orr has created a powerful repertoire, including fresh versions of traditional ballets, original works commissioned to contemporary American music and dramatic works that push the boundaries of ballet as an art form. Through more than 50 performances each year at home and on tour, PBT audiences discover the passion and joy of ballet. 

The “Buzz” from Buzzelli: Pittsburgh’s Top To-Do’s THIS WEEKEND (7/8 – 7/11)

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by Mike “Buzz” Buzzelli, ‘Burgh Vivant

 

Here are the Top Five Things to do in Pittsburgh the weekend of July 8 to July 11

 

Hit the Silk!

You can walk down the red carpet at a movie premiere this weekend at Silk Screen’s Asian Arts and Cultural Organization’s Red Carpet Gala. Celebrate their tenth anniversary of Asian American film, dance, art and music. The Red Carpet Gala is July 9 at 6:00 at the A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology, Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information, go here. For details on the rest of the fest, go here.

 

Crawl to Daddy

The monthly Gallery Crawl is back downtown. Pittsburgh is full of Art, Music, Dance, Architecture, Comedy and Film. Experience them on Friday night between 5:30 and 9:00 pm at the quarterly Gallery Crawl. The event is free and open to the public. So check out all the participating venues and see what Pittsburgh has to offer! For more information, go here.

 

Cosmo!

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s 9th annual Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh fundraiser is happening this Friday, July 10. Following the Gallery Crawl around the Cultural District, run away with the circus and indulge in astounding performances, music, activities, and a wondrous dance party. Savor signature beverages and delicious treats, while enjoying a fabulous night on the town! Hit the VIP party from 7:00 – 9:00 pm or dance to DJ Pandemic for the Main Event. It’s at the African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, go to here.

 

Elementary, My dear Watson!

A mystery is afoot! And Sherlock Holmes is back on the case. Will it be his last? It may, since the play is called, “Sherlock’s Last Case.” It’s a spoof on the beloved characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. David Whalen is, once again, playing the iconic detective.  It opens, Friday, July 10. You don’t have to go to all the way to 221 B Baker Street, just go to the Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. For more information, go here.

 

Fill ‘er up!

On the eve of his birthday, Nat Paradis’ old high school flame returns for her mother’s funeral and walks into the convenience store Nat and his dad run in rural Northern Maine in “Last Gas.” John Cariani’s comedy can be found at the Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. For more information, go here.

 

 

Memorial service set to celebrate life, career of Point Park dance professor Tassone

PITTSBURGH – Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts will celebrate the life and career of long-time dance Professor Ron Tassone, who died in February. He was 76.

A commemoration service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 31, in the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave., in the city’s Oakland neighborhood. A reception will follow the service.  Anyone wishing to attend is requested to please RSVP by calling 412-392-6102.

Tassone, a native of Fairbank, Pa., in Fayette County, started at Point Park in September 1974. He established the jazz major within the Point Park dance program and assumed the role of director of dance for 10 years. He choreographed more than 25 jazz dance works at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. He also choreographed and/or directed many musicals at theatres such as Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Kenley Players, Phoenix Star Theatre, Music Fairs, Inc., and West Virginia Public Theatre. He was the co-choreographer of the American College Theatre Festival award-winning “Grand Hotel,” performed at the Kennedy Center in April 2002.

Tassone began his career in summer stock and upon graduation made his Broadway debut in “Gypsy,” followed by seven other Broadway shows, including “Subways are for Sleeping,” “No Strings,” “Here’s Love,” “Fade-Out, Fade-In”,”Funny Girl,” “George M.” and “Billy.” He also appeared on various television shows and in films.

BETH CORNING – Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director, CORNINGWORKS

The Post-Gazette named her one of The Top 50 Creative Forces in Pittsburgh, and tonight she’s sharing martinis and memories with ‘Burgh Vivant’s Brian Edward at the site of her latest work, The New Hazlett Theater. Dancer and Choreographer Beth Corning discusses the identity of CORNINGWORKS and the 40+ philosophy of THE GLUE FACTORY PROJECT. Plus – get a peek at CORNINGWORKS’ 5th Anniversary production AT ONCE THERE WAS A HOUSE and how you can be a part of the party March 25 through 29. Listen to “The Full Martini” – the complete, unedited interview in audio podcast for perspectives on the preconceived notions of live theatre, how to spot a dancer, and what Beth thinks of “So You Think You Can Dance?” www.corningworks.org

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