Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Adam Barruch will be the 2015 Masterworks Guest Artist in the West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance and will be guest choreographer for the Dance Program’s annual concert in February.

The annual concert — titled “Dance Now!”— will be held in the Creative Arts Center’s Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, Feb. 5-7.

Barruch began his career as a young professional performer on Broadway as well as in film and television, working with such prominent figures as Tony Bennett, Jerry Herman and Susan Stroman. He attended The Juilliard School and performed as a dancer with Jos� Lim�n and Susan Marshall. He is currently a dancer with Sylvain �mard Danse in Montreal.

Barruch’s choreography has been presented at Ailey-Citigroup Theater, New York University and at The Juilliard School. In March 2009, a full evening of his original work was produced at The Baryshnikov Arts Center. Barruch was also the recipient of a 2014 “Lotos Foundation Prize in the Arts and Sciences,” which recognizes institutions and individuals for distinguished accomplishments and exceptional talent in the arts and sciences.

Each year WVU dance students have the opportunity to audition for industry professionals and workshop their pieces for the annual “Dance Now!” dance concert performances. Eight dancers were chosen this year to be a part of Barruch’s Masterworks piece. Barruch’s theme for the piece is the compass, with its eight directions or meridians of space dividing up the stage and giving the dancers defining pathways.

“I look for dancers who have a natural sense of the way I move, and an emotional connection to their bodies,” said Barruch. “They may not immediately grasp the complexities of the coordinations perfectly, but I can usually tell very quickly if someone will be able to grasp it. People who are committed to what they do without imposing anything artificial onto the work also catch my eye.”

“Dance Now!” will also feature the WVU Irish Step Team as well as guests from Morgantown Performing Arts Academy under the direction of Robyn Naugle.

As always, “Dance Now!” will showcase new works from WVU’s talented Dance Program faculty members and students, with a wide array of dance styles and movement studies.

Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for senior citizens and students. There is a group rate of $10 per ticket for groups of ten or more.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, the CAC or Mountainlair Box Offices, or by calling 304-293-SHOW.

For more information on “Dance Now! 2015” please visit theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020, or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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