Pittsburgh’s premier modern dance company, Dance Alloy Theater (DAT) will present world-class dance theater that explores the human condition through the power of dance and the magic of theater on Saturday, March 1 at 8:00 pm. Under the direction of Beth Corning, the evening’s program will be comprised of three works filled with beautiful physicality, powerful dancing, and fun! This show is supported by Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, and is a Dance Series show sponsored by Time Warner Cable.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called DAT, “nothing short of stunning.” According to Mike Morris Sr., Midland Executive Director, “DAT’s dancers possess remarkable skill, poise and passion; this evening of dance theatre will capture your mind and heart with unforgettable motion and emotion.”

The evening’s program will be comprised of three works: Table of Content by Canadian choreographer Marina Harris is a playful, poignant and lyrical work with a charming section that includes jumping rope with bubble gum! A magical work from the masters of the human kaleidoscope, Pilobolus’ critically-acclaimed Duet is a story of two bodies so physically entwined that even when separated they remain connected. After The Beat is a new work by David Parker, founder of the highly-regarded NYC-based company, The Bang Group. Known for his witty, satirical approaches to choreography, this piece premiered in December 2007.

DAT is a company that is determined to “break the fourth wall,” the separation that often exists between the audience and performers. DAT and The Midland encourage participation in all of the following activities:
Talking Dance at 7:30 pm – Join DAT’s engaging artistic director Beth Corning as she leads a pre-show discussion on “How NOT to look at dance…to look or feel…that is the question.”

European Dessert Intermission – During this 30-minute intermission, patrons are invited to mingle over complimentary refreshments, and share their thoughts about the work of art that was just experienced.

Critic’s Corner – In an effort to further establish a connection between audiences and artists, The Midland and Dance Alloy Theater will be collecting feedback immediately following the show; the comments, accompanied by a photo of the audience member, will the be posted on each organization’s websites for the world to see!

Tickets are $10, $15 and $20. To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.midlandtheatre.org, call 740-345-LIVE or stop by The Midland box office at 36 North Park Place in downtown Newark, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Please note: add $2 to each ticket for handling and historic preservation fees.

Dance Alloy, Pittsburgh's premiere modern dance repertory company, was founded in 1976, as a collective of eight dancers. In 1980 the company opened the Dance Center with movement classes for children and adults. In 1982, Susan Gillis and Elsa Limbach were designated co-artistic directors.

In 1984 Elsa Limbach was named artistic director of the company. During her tenure, the Alloy commissioned dance works by an impressive range of emerging and established choreographers, and maintained a rigorous touring schedule, including seasons in New York City, and European tours to Bulgaria and Hungary.

In 1991, under the direction of Mark Taylor, Dance Alloy continued to grow employing dancers on a 34-week contract and a full time administrative staff. In 1995, Dance Alloy moved into its own state-of-the-art facility becoming a cornerstone in the revitalized arts district in Pittsburgh's Friendship neighborhood.

In 2003, the company entered a new era with the appointment of Beth Corning as Executive Artistic Director. As former director of Corning Dances & Company, Corning brings a 25-year history of successful dance management, choreographic acclaim, and artistic direction in the dancetheater genre.

The new DAT is committed to the presentation of world-class dancetheater works by national and international choreographers, and through its studio school the offering of a full range of non-competitive dance and movement classes for all ages and abilities.

DAT’s dance center has grown into one of the largest state of the art modern dance facilities in Pittsburgh. Through non-competitive classes and outreach activities it serves some 5,000 students of all ages and levels in a diverse range of movement disciplines. In addition, the center provides facilities for many local and national companies, choreographers, and teaching artists including a national Choreographer’s Retreat Project, open to national mid-career artists and their companies. In 2006, DAT celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The Newark Midland Theatre Association is a local organization dedicated to building value in our community with the positive, shared experiences of the performing arts, both locally produced and nationally recognized, in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre. Built in 1928, The Midland Theatre annually presents touring and local artists through its five performance series, inspiring arts education and community outreach programs, and other events. Movie classics return to The Midland’s big screen for holidays.