Rider University Presents “Rider Dances: Collaborate and Innovate”

Rider University’s Westminster College of the Arts will present a program titled “Rider Dances: Collaborate and Innovate” Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center Theater on the campus of Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.

The performance will feature Rider dance students collaborating with faculty and professionals. Composer Ron Hemmel will collaborate with Kim Chandler Vaccaro and local dance artist Dawn Berman; Dr. Justin Burton’s student, Madeline Prentice and Kim Vaccaro will create original digital music and dance; renowned local choreographers Jannell Byrne and Jennifer Gladney will create a new ballet; choreographer Laney Engelhard will collaborate with pianist Luis Cobo; and choreographer Christine Colosimo will collaborate with visual artist Eva Flatchsher. In addition, Kim Chandler Vaccaro will set Ted Thomas’ piece Undamely, the winner of last year’s Emerging Choreographers competition, on Rider University dancers.

Artistic Director Kim Chandler Vaccaro earned a bachelor’s degree in Choreography and Performance from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in Dance Education from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a Doctor of Education from Temple University. During this time she performed in numerous modern dance companies, choreographed and produced her own work, and taught dance at colleges on both east and west coasts. In addition to lecturing nationwide on dance education, Dr. Vaccaro has led workshops for dance and public school teachers, for American Repertory Ballet and with various arts organizations throughout New Jersey.

Ron Hemmel is a professor of music theory and composition at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he also serves as artistic director of the Music Computing Center. He holds degrees from Westminster Choir College, James Madison University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Composition award from the Brass Chamber Music Forum and several awards from Rider University and ASCAP. His works are published by Yelton Rhodes Music and Transcontinental Music.

Rider University’s dance performances have been recognized for their creative and innovative programs that showcase the work of students, faculty and guest artists. Rider’s relationship with the Princeton Ballet School, a studio with a national reputation for excellence in dance training, offers students the opportunity to participate in advanced studio dance classes.

Admission for the performances is $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door, through the box office at 609-896-7775 or online at www.rider.edu/arts. All tickets will be held at the door.