WWU Dance Program presents annual BFA Capstone Concert this weekend

Western Washington University's dance program is presenting its annual BFA Capstone Concert at 7:30 p.m. this week and next at the Ving! studio downtown. Remaining dates are 4 and 5; Ving! is located at 311 E. Holly St. in Bellingham.

The Capstone Concert showcases the dance program's Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates in their culminating projects of performance and choreography. The May performances will feature candidates Kaia Gilje, Angela Kiser, Ella Mahler and Christina Masson, and the June performances will feature Katelyn Hales, Hannah Lindberg and Shannon Tallman.

The candidates spend their final year working with a guest choreographer learning skills for a solo performance. By creating original pieces with WWU dance majors, BFA candidates practice newly learned choreography skills. The Capstone Concert enables candidates to present both solo and group pieces. A faculty member, who provides feedback and support through the creative process, mentors each candidate.

The performances will include works choreographed and performed by the 2009 Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates and a variety of guest choreographers, including Wade Madsen, Catherine Cabeen, Cyrus Khambatta; Western alumni Ian Bivins and Lindsey Drury; WWU Dance Program faculty members Nolan Dennett and Pam Kuntz; and WWU Theatre professor Jim Lortz. All seven candidates will also be presenting original work.

Tickets are not required; there is a suggested donation of $5 at the door.

For more information, call (360) 650-7293 or visit the WWU Dance website at http://www.wwu.edu/depts/dance/.