Penn State Altoona's Ivyside Dance Ensemble will offer its spring 2021 performance live via Zoom on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
This performance includes new and repertoire work and features pieces by dance faculty KT Huckabee, Bethany Miller, and Caitlin Osborne. Another piece is in collaboration with Penn State Altoona's University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Josh Hillard.
Huckabee, teaching professor of integrative arts and coordinator for the integrative arts major and dance studies minor, brings three pieces to the stage. "Deep Down, I Wish it Would Rain," a repertoire piece, re-envisions a solo as a duet utilizing the space in reverse. "Forced into this experience due to pandemic restrictions, it helped force us, dancer and choreographer, out of our comfort zone," states Huckabee. Two new pieces by Huckabee will be premiered. "Anonymous" explores the surreal environment of COVID-19 dreams, where many people find themselves navigating in what can be described as an alternate universe. A new jazz piece transports the audience to the era of funk and 1970s variety shows.
Miller, a part-time instructor in dance, licensed professional counselor, and registered dance movement therapist, has reworked the solo "inTangible." This piece is an "uplifting movement exploration of memories we have to hold onto and a reminder that those we have lost are still with us wherever we go."
"Remember the Future" is a restaging of a dance Osborne originally created for film and was seen in Ivyside Dance Ensemble's fall performance, "Stories of Hope." According to Osborne, a part-time instructor in dance, "One joy that the pandemic has taken away is our ability to look forward to things. In this way, I have understood that one can miss not only the past but also the future. This dance, built on classical ballet with a touch of modern aesthetic, is my reflection on the question: 'Is it possible to feel nostalgic for things that haven't happened yet?'"
For more information contact the box office, open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling 814-949-5452.
Program Information
Ivyside Dance Ensemble Spring 2021 Performance
Including new work and repertoire by dance faculty KT Huckabee, Bethany Miller, and Caitlin Osborne. Featuring Penn State Altoona's University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Josh Hillard.
March 25, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Presented by Penn State Altoona's Division of Arts and Humanities
Director's Note
As we all know, this past year has been disruptive on so many levels. We all suffer through and manage these events in different ways, but we are all affected deeply. Our dancers have had to navigate online rehearsals, limited rehearsal time in-person, maintaining distance from their cast members, as well as learning how to breathe while dancing wearing masks. This on top of navigating their other courses in an often-changing format—from virtual classes to some in-person to some half and half!
Needless to say, Ivyside Dance Ensemble has suffered some setbacks including a decrease in students who were able to commit to the expectations we hold. But a dedicated few have allowed us to explore memories for this performance. Although not looking for a theme, we all happened to be on the same tangent. Our explorations of memories come in the form of reworking some repertory, as seen in Bethany Miller’s piece inTangible, which is about holding on to memories of those we have lost, and two new pieces I have developed: Anonymous, trying to understand dreams, as irrational as they may be and Feel the Wonder which combines my memories of 1970s variety dance shows and the use of Stevie Wonder’s music as played by the Penn State Altoona’s University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Josh Hillard. Last semester both Caitlin Osborne and I were able to reimagine repertory pieces on film which you will have the opportunity to see this evening: Remember the Future, in which Osborne explores whether it is ‘possible to feel nostalgic for things that haven't happened yet;' and Deep Down, I Wish it Would Rain where a current state can be full of wishes for what has passed and hoping for what isn’t yet.
We hope you enjoy what Ivyside Dance Ensemble was able to accomplish this semester in its limited form. I know we are all looking forward to when things resemble normal again, even just a little. I certainly know the dancers are anticipating when we can return to the dance studio in full, utilizing all the space without our masks! I know I am.
—KT Huckabee, director, Ivyside Dance Ensemble
Program Order
Feel the Wonder
- Music: Stevie Wonder played by the Penn State Altoona University Jazz Ensemble
- Choreography: KT Huckabee
- Dancers: Pamela Lantz, Kara Mills
- University Jazz Ensemble: Hailey Frontino, Noah Hillard, Tyler Latten, Aiden Phillips, Haeley Stott, Isaac Brumbaugh, Lukas Caracciolo, Jaquiline Ertwine, Quinn Mosebey, Matt Brown, JJ Steinbugl, Drew Yingling, Zachary Guasto, Lorren McGarvey, Kyle Siskron, Jack Kuhns, Gregory Kerrigan
inTangible
- Music: East Forest and Trevor Oswalt, Held
- Choreography: Bethany Miller
- Dancer: Devin Poplin
Anonymous (Work in Progress)
- Music: J.L. Adams, Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss, The Dead South
- Choreography: KT Huckabee
- Dancers: Jennah Daw, Caroline Eckenrode, Kara Mills
Film presentations from fall 2020:
Deep Down, I Wish it Would Rain
- Music: Ahn Trio
- Choreography: KT Huckabee
- Dancers: Jennah Daw, Grace Harr
- Film and Editing: John Conner
Remember the Future
- Music: Ludovico Einaudi, I Giorni
- Choreography: Caitlin Osborne
- Dancers: Jaime Apperson, Samantha Bacza-Nelson, Kara Mills, Melina Roig
- Film and editing: Caitlin Osborne
Cast Bios
Jennah Daw is a junior studying kinesiology. A Pittsburgh native, Jennah studied at Simpli Nikki’s Dance Studio. She joined Ivyside Dance Ensemble in her freshman year to further her dance education and continue to follow her passion.
Caroline Eckenrode is from Martinsburg, PA. She is currently in her fourth semester majoring in integrative arts with a focus in dance performance and production. Caroline hopes to develop a dance studio working with children of all ages.
Pamela Lantz is a freshman with plans to major in human development and family studies. From Altoona, Pamela studied dance at the Altoona Dance Theatre where she now teaches. She hopes to continue teaching dance while in college and graduate school. She is enjoying her first semester with Ivyside Dance Ensemble.
Kara Mills is a senior studying human development and family studies. Kara has been dancing with the ensemble since her freshman year and has made many friends and incredible memories throughout her journey with the company. Kara will miss her fellow Ivyside Dance Ensemble company members, teachers, and performances dearly when she graduates in May.
Devin Poplin is a senior majoring in English with a minor in dance studies. She has been dancing with Ivyside Dance Ensemble since her first semester at Penn State Altoona. Devin is from Bellwood, PA, where she studied various forms of dance at Andrea’s School of Dance. Devin hopes to continue studying and teaching dance after college.
Choreographer Bios
KT Huckabee, teaching professor of integrative arts and dance, director of Ivyside Dance Ensemble, and coordinator of integrative arts and dance studies, is pleased to be working with Ivyside Dance Ensemble dancers as they pursue their continued exploration into dance as a performing art. KT received her B.F.A. in dance from East Carolina University, M.F.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and certification in Laban Movement Analysis from the Laban Institute of Movement Studies in New York.
Bethany Miller has been an instructor in dance and a guest choreographer for the Ivyside Dance Ensemble since 2013. She is a licensed professional counselor and registered dance movement therapist. She owns a private practice in Hollidaysburg, PA, where she provides mental health counseling services to adults utilizing traditional talk therapy and expressive arts. Bethany received her B.A. in integrative arts and a minor in dance studies from Penn State Altoona and her M.A. in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in dance movement therapy from Lesley University.
Caitlin Osborne founded Ivyside Dance Ensemble in 2007 to promote dance performance at Penn State Altoona and to explore new ways of dancing. She is also an actor and director. Her most recent acting credits include Breath of Life, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Betrayal, and School for Lies at Next Stage Theatre and Shirley Valentine and Lady Windermere’s Fan at Penn State Altoona. She holds degrees from Williams College (B.A. in anthropology) and the University of Massachusetts (M.A. in history).
Production Team Bios
John Conner (technical director) While still recovering from the shock of relocating from Austin, Texas, he is enjoying himself here in Altoona. John brings to us knowledge of a variety of types of theatre and performance art. In addition to degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas Tech, John has experience in regional, touring, and summer stock theatre. He also has experience from working cruise ships, concerts, and industrial shows. John is a proud member of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 205.
Josh Hillard (jazz ensemble director) A native of Altoona (AAHS class of ‘97), Josh has been living and serving the musical needs of Blair County as a performer, clinician, and educator since 2006. His professional music career began over 20 years ago in Baltimore, MD, and his path back home to Altoona has been littered with performance stops throughout the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions. Josh has been working at Penn State Altoona since 2018 as the director of the University Jazz Band and part-time instructor in music. He is currently an elementary instrumental specialist with the Altoona School District and maintains a very competitive and active private trumpet studio. Performance and recording credits include Blue Moon Big Band, Keystone Winds, Jazz in Your Face, Zeropoint Big Band, Altoona Symphony Orchestra, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, and Blair County Brassworks. He has appeared as a sideman with Rosemary Clooney, Doc Severinsen, Vince DiMartino, Randy Purcell, Peter Nero, and Thomas Hooten. Josh performs on S.E. Shires, Schilke, and Yamaha trumpets.
Upcoming at the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts
- April 16, 2021; 10:00 a.m.
theLasTree Stream - April 16, 2021—April 18, 2021; 7:00 p.m.
theLasTree Stream - April 22, 2021—May 2, 2021
VAST Senior Exhibitions - Saturday, April 23, 2021; 7:30 p.m.
Ivyside Pride Stream - April 29, 2021-May 1, 2021; 7:00 p.m.
Two Rooms Stream - Saturday, May 2, 2021; 3 p.m.
Two Rooms Matinee Stream - Saturday, May 1, 2021, 2:30 p.m.
University Jazz Performance Streaming
Acknowledgments
- Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, chancellor and dean
- Peter M. Hopsicker, vice chancellor, Academic Affairs
- Corey Gracie-Griffin, associate dean for research, Academic Affairs
- Dr. Brian Black, division head, Arts and Humanities
- Jonathan O’Harrow, director, Strategic Communications
- Marissa Carney, media and public relations coordinator, Strategic Communications
- Melissa Wilt, graphic designer, Strategic Communications
- Brenda Berry, faculty and program assistant, Misciagna Family Center
- Deborah L. Flinn, part-time faculty administrative assistant, Misciagna Family Center
- Karen Isenberg, part-time faculty administrative assistant, Misciagna Family Center
- Kylea Myers, interim theatre coordinator, Misciagna Family Center
- Diane Kilmer, theatre and gallery assistant, Misciagna Family Center John Conner,
- technical director, Misciagna Family Center
- Sofie Riley, janitorial worker, Facilities and Operations