Great Leaps kicks-off with special preview

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Department’s semester-ending dance extravaganza, Great Leaps Spring 2015, adds a new dimension. A special Preview Showing will take place on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m., followed by the regular performance on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. featuring over 150 dancers from UH Hilo and Hawai’i Community College performing original choreography.

Two graduating seniors will present heartfelt reflections of their lives as Ashley Terrell honors her late father, and Zachary Tman creates an aerial dance that communicates the importance of friendship through bullying as a child.

The Dance Ensemble (DNCE 401) will perform three completely different styles. “Paid In Blood,” choreographed by Dori Yamada, plays with the ideas of contagion and infection of both the tangible and intangible kind; Lawrence Mano celebrates the power of positivity with “Believe,” while Celeste Staton and Monique Clevenger create a musical theatre romp with soft shoe, in the classic “Steam Heat.”

Kea Kapahua’s Jazz class will perform a suite of short dances saluting the musical movie era that ends with a funky modern twist. She has also choreographed a modern piece entitled, “One-Song,” inspired by astronomical movements and patterns that reflect humanity’s connection and place within that universe.

The concert will also include a pair of aerial dances from Annie Bunker, an exciting dance with an Afro-Celt sound by the Hawai’i CC Modern Jazz class, along with performances from the UH Hilo Modern Dance and Ballet classes.

Both performances are open seating. The May 1st preview is priced at $3. Tickets for the May 2nd performance are priced at $7 General, and $5 Seniors, UH students (with a valid student ID) and children, up to age 17, and are available by calling the UH Hilo Box Office at 932-7490 or ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.