Oklahoma City University's world-renowned Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management will bring high-energy, Broadway-style entertainment to Ada next month.
The 40-member American Spirit Dance Company, directed by Jo Rowan, will give two performances at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center at East Central University. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. April 15 and 16. Proceeds from the shows will benefit the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society. The performance is dedicated to Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame member Dr. Bill S. Cole, who passed away this week. Cole, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996, was president emeritus of East Central University. He served as president at ECU from 1989 until 2006.
Rowan said the shows are a chance to see many styles of American dance from Hollywood to Broadway, celebrated by professionally competitive performers.
Reviews of past performances have praised the high quality and energy of the dance company. "A dazzling array of everything from tap and jazz to ballet and Broadway, all displayed in a fast-paced, entertaining program," wrote The Oklahoman. "It was an evening of high energy and spectacular dancing, smooth, polished and highly effective," wrote The Oklahoma Gazette.
The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management was the first in the nation in higher education to emphasize the American dance forms of tap, jazz and musical theater dance and the first to include instruction in rhythm tap. Dance Magazine has said the school is "the best preparatory dance program in the nation." Graduates perform on Broadway, as Rockettes, in touring musicals, at theme parks and in many other venues around the world.
Tickets are on sale now with seats ranging from $12 to 25. Premium seating donor tickets are available for the Thursday performance for $50 and $60.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit this website or call 1-866-345-8302 toll free between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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