PDT Dance concert promotes positive race conversations, anti-bullying and friendships

NORRISTOWN — Pottstown Dance Theatre Repertory Ensemble and Melange Contemporary Dance collaborate to promote healthy race conversations, anti-bullying efforts, and an appreciation for cultures all around the world.

The upcoming full-length dance concert titled, “Dance Around the Globe,” is choreographed by international dance artist, Michelle Jones Wurtz, and has work set to Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” Jefferson Airplane, Lyle Lovett, and more. It includes contemporary ballet, Native American Dance, African Dance, modern dance, jazz dance, Gospel dance, and Irish Dance.

The performance has multi-media projections, and interesting lighting effects, and utilizes both professional and student dancers. It is a show that should not be missed and will take place at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA 19401) on Saturday, April 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m.

The opening work, “New World” began as a memorial piece to Michelle Wurtz’s maternal grandfather, Marvin Daniel. He was raised in a segregated area of the Deep South, and his own children began studying in segregated schools. When the schools decided to integrate, his brothers criticized him for encouraging the change. With the state of our society, Wurtz felt it was time to remount this work to try and unify our polarized culture. Other works include Irish Dance mixed with African Dance, a contemporary work about female groupings, and a Gospel piece that brought down the house at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Tickets are available at Pottstown Dance Theatre (72 West Main St., Pottstown PA 19465), by calling 610-323-2569, online at www.pottstowndance.com or at the Box Office upon arrival. Adult tickets are $21 in advance ($25 at the Box Office); $18 for children and college students (with ID) in advance ($21 at the Box Office), and $18 for seniors that are sixty and over ($21 at the Box Office).

Group rates are available for school groups, Scout troops, and church groups and are highly encouraged. Call 610-323-2569 for information.

(Read original article in the Pottstown Mercury HERE)