Wings on Their Feet

Photo: John Kish IV

Mary Anne Hoffman, director of the Moravian College Dancers, airborne in front of her Thursday night ballet class.

The Moravian College Dancers will celebrate 30 years of footwork at its performances this weekend, 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Foy Hall.

Mary Anne Gillen Hoffman, who has been teaching ballet at the College since 2001, became the company’s artistic director this year. Alycia Piazza, who teaches jazz dance at the College, is assistant director.

Mary Anne, Alycia, and Nicole Hockenberry, who teaches tap in Easton, are the professional choregraphers for this concert.

All we know about Mary Anne’s piece is that it involves tennis rackets and music by Tchaikovsky. It’s in homage to Dawn Ketterman Benner, professor of physical education, founder of the Moravian College Dancers, and women’s tennis coach for the College.

Student choreographers include Jessica Cusumano, Melissa Drost and Kristin Maddaloni, Cathleen Lavelle, Rebecca Moore, Bridget O’Rourke, and Kathryn Washer. They’ve created dances in styles ranging from lyrical to jazz to modern.

“All of them danced for 15 years before they came here,” says Mary Anne of her student dancer/choreographers. “It was such a big part of their lives in high school, and here they are trying to fit it around their academics. They’re all involved in so much! A lot of these dancers give their time year after year, despite getting no credit.”

Continuing a long tradition, the dancers welcome local performing ensembles: Broadway Rhythms Dance Company, Coral’s Academy of Dance in Macungie, In Motion Dance Company, the dance ensemble from Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Performing Arts, Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Repertory Dance Theater in Allentown, and Hockenberry’s T.A.P.

A reception in Payne Gallery for alumni dancers and the performers will follow Saturday’s concert.

Tickets are $5, from Ext. 1530.