The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University invites you to celebrate a long and storied legacy of dance during the 96th Annual Spring Dance Concert, to be held April 18-19 at the Hilberry Gateway. 

From its humble beginnings as part of the physical education department to today, there is a storied legacy of dance to celebrate that will be embodied in the pieces performed on stage.  

"This concert is a testament to the tireless dedication of our dancers, choreographers, and designers," said Karen Prall, Associate Professor of Teaching and one of the artistic directors of this year's Spring Dance Concert. “It's a symphony of passion, woven together to create a single, breathtaking moment.”  

An artist whose work encompasses the blurred lines between movement and community, Dr RAS Mikey Courtney has set a transformative piece on several of the dancers which has challenged their perceptions of movement ahead of this public presentation. “Our aim is not merely to entertain, but to resonate — to stir something within you, to leave you with a lingering echo of emotion that transcends the stage,” said Courtney, who serves alongside Prall as artistic director of this year’s performance. 

Acclaimed group Ballethnic Dance Company began the semester with a weeklong residency on campus. This residency saw the artistic directors of Ballethnic setting a repertory on several of the dance students to be performed on the STAGE in April. 

Additionally, senior dance students participated in a residency in New York City during their spring break, where they were taught a dance to be premiered during the Spring Dance Concert. 

As has become the case with dance concerts in recent years, three student-choreographed works were selected through a rigorous audition process. These pieces represent the wealth and diversity of not only the styles of dance taught but also the depth of creativity of the students. 

Fans and traditional attendees of dance concerts should take note there is no Sunday matinee performance for the 96th Annual Spring Dance Concert this year due to Sunday, April 20, being Easter Sunday. Instead, there is a matinee performance scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. 

For all dates, times, and ticket purchases for the 96th Annual Spring Dance Concert and other Hilberry Gateway performances, visit theatreanddance.wayne.edu/onstage or call the box office at (313) 577-2972. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. 

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts 

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today’s aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college’s legacy of excellence in our respective fields. 

The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music. 

From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community.