Dance Production Workshop, also known as DPW, is gearing up for its annual performance and the show is expected to offer a wide array of dances to entertain all. This year’s theme is “Art in Motion.” The show’s dances are based on some form of art or painting and you can expect to see all dancing styles in this year’s show.
It promises performances with ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, coupling and musical theater. The show is to offer a balance of slower pieces and higher-energy pieces. You can expect performances ranging from the “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago” to a dance to the theme of the Harlem GlobeTrotters.
Barbara Lappano, who is responsible for the creation of Dance Production Workshop, directs the show. Lappano attended West Chester University and then went on to become a faculty member here at the university. She is the current director of the dance department and teaches dance classes as well. Lappano also contributes to the choreography in this show, including songs from Billy Joel’s show “Movin’ Out.”
Faculty members Deb Rushton, Fran Cleland, and Gretchen Studlien-Webb lend their choreography to the show too. All other numbers are choreographed by students in the DPW program. The show’s stage manager is Bridget Cook and the assistant stage manager is Ryan Madonna. Lighting design is by Matt Pilsner.
Practice for the show begins the first week of the spring semester, during which costumes are selected and fine-tuned. Each choreographer is given a budget for their costumes and it is up to them whether to use the budget solely on costumes or on props for their performance. Dance Production Workshop has four officers who help run the program. The president of the organization is Jenn Rose; vice president is Kelly Coldren.; Amy Hipp serves as treasurer and Moira Byko serves as secretary. DPW members elect the officers on a yearly basis.
Among their respective duties, officers also select the theme for the following year’s show. Past themes have included “Rhythm Nation,” “Lights, Camera, Dance,” “Express Yourself,” and “Dancing Down Broadway.”
This year’s show marks the 29th performance of Dance Production Workshop. They will be having a special 30th Anniversary Show next year.
DPW’s “Art in Motion” will take place on April 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. performance on the 17th as well. The show will take place in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in the Philips Memorial Building. Tickets can be purchased at the S.S.I. window in Sykes Student Union and are $5 for students and $10 for general admission.