Program to span hip-hop, Native American and Celtic routines

CORVALLIS — Majestic Theatre Management and Modern Dance Technique present the 17th annual Spring Celebration of Dance at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15. Tickets are $8 and are available at the Majestic Theatre box office and at www.majestic.org.

The concert features choreography by program director Donna Blatt-Ervin, instructor and choreographer Amy Rance, and former student and guest choreographer Liana Riley.

The program opens with a new work for the Advanced Performance group by Rance, “Symmetry Stream,” to music by Bach and Les Phones. Liana Riley’s “Hunter,” to music by Portland artist Andrew Hanson of Stalking Jane, combines her modern training with edgy, contemporary hip-hop-influenced movement. A new work for the Advanced group by Blatt- Ervin is “Seraphic Frieze,” set to music by Sharlene Wallace. The dance draws upon the artistry of the dancers; fast phrases of allegro movement followed by sustained use of balance, stillness and control.

Blatt-Ervin’s “All My Relations,” set to music by Carlos Nakai and Douglas Spotted Eagle, depicts the struggle, mystery and beauty of the Native American culture. An additional highlight of the program will be a solo by Amy Rance, “Amygdala,” set to music by Nawal. The dance is based on mudras, or hand gestures, that symbolize various emotions.

Pre-Advanced dancers appear in Rance’s fast paced “Eclectic” to music by Manu Chao and Blatt-Ervin’s haunting “The Mask and the Mirror” to Loreena McKennitt.

The youngest dancers will appear in choreography by Blatt-Ervin as “Clouds” and “Snowflake Princesses.” Intermediates will dance to Celtic mouth music in “Midsummer on Criagh na Dun.” Dances by Rance for the younger students include “Meadow Dance,” and “Petite Rue” for intermediates to the music of Zap Mama.

For more information call the Majestic Theatre business office at 758-7827.