ODU DANCERS TAKE NYC BY STORM

Five Old Dominion University dancers and their professor/choreographer were part of the 5th Annual International Dance Festival � NYC.

"Destination Unknown," choreographed by Amanda Kinzer, assistant professor of dance in the communication and theatre arts department, was performed by a mix of ODU graduates and current students as part of the festival's Contemporary Showcase IV, on July 24 at the DiCapo Opera House in New York City.

Dancers included: Sarah Miller, a 2005 dance education graduate; Christina Puricelli, a 2006 dance graduate; Elizabeth Zamer, a 2006 dance and marine biology graduate who was also selected as outstanding student in both disciplines for 2005-06; Ashley Budy, a junior dance and English major; and Katie Tuebner, a junior dance and studio art major.

The International Dance Festival � NYC was created to promote greater dialogue between local, national and international artists. It offers increased performance opportunities for ground-floor, emerging and established dance artists, as well as opportunities for student choreographers and performers. The event produces a full spectrum of performances representing all disciplines of dance, presenting New York audiences with a diverse array of dance.

Kinzer received her M.F.A. in dance performance and choreography from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, in 2000. She has performed with the North Carolina School of the Arts, the Virginia School of the Arts, Modernextension Dance Company, Second Wind Dance Company, the Tidewater Dance Collective, Gravity Optional Dance Company and with Creo, ODU's new-music ensemble.

Her choreography has been featured at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, UNC-Greensboro, Elon University, Old Dominion University, Salem College, the University of Virginia, the 2004 Richmond Choreographers' Showcase and, most recently, at the 30th International Choreographers' Showcase in Louisville, Ky.