SHU Dancers to Perform Works by Renowned Pilobolus
Principal dancer Heather Favretto joins SHU this spring as resident facilitator
Sacred Heart University dance students will perform an original, choreographed work by world-renowned dance company Pilobolus in two April productions, “Sanctuary” and “Pro/Positions II.”
Pilobolus, a self-described “rebellious dance company” that is celebrating its 50th season, has performed in more than 65 countries and has entertained millions of people. It has been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NBC’s TODAY Show, MTV’s Video Music Awards, the 79th Annual Academy Awards and more.
This semester, 18 seasoned and highly trained students who auditioned for the Sacred Heart University Dance Company will have the opportunity of a lifetime with Pilobolus principal dancer and master teaching artist Heather Favretto, who is serving as resident facilitator for the dancers. She will guide them as they learn original choreography created by Pilobolus Co-Artistic Directors Renée Jaworski and Matt Kent and Education Director Emily Kent.
Their culminating performances will display the wit, sensuality and stunning physical acumen that distinguishes Pilobolus from other dance companies.
On Friday, April 22, the SHU Dance Company will perform “Sanctuary,” in honor of Earth Day. It will feature ballet, modern, contemporary and fusion-style dances. The next day, April 23, the University’s SHU Mo(VE)ment and Inception Dance Crew will perform in “Pro/Positions II.”
Both shows will take place at the University’s Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m., with a pre-show in the Edgerton atrium at 6 p.m.
“It’s a true honor for our students to be offered the opportunity to participate in the creative process of one of the most renowned dance companies in the world,” said Kari Williams, SHU’s director of dance. “Such momentous experiences elevate not only their growth as students and emerging professional artists but also as human beings and global citizens.”
Erin Gibney ’23―a member of the SHU Dance Company’s professional track dance program, as well as SHU Mo(VE)ment and Inception Dance Crew, the professional track program in hip-hop dance―echoed the sentiment. “Working with Pilobolus has been an incredible experience. Each SHU dancer has experienced both personal and collaborative growth, which has brought us closer as a collegiate company. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and will cherish what I’ve learned as I continue my dance and life journey,” Gibney said.
The Sacred Heart University dance program offers a variety of instruction and experiences to suit any level of interest, commitment and passion for dance. Students are encouraged to engage in exploration, creation and critical thinking as they prepare for their futures in dance.
General admission for the April performances is $25; students can attend free with their SHU ID. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit edgertoncenter.org, or call the box office at 203-371-7908.