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Thinking young

Friday, May 17, 2002

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This weekend you can tap dance down several alternative avenues. There is the tapmeister himself, Gregory Hines, at the Benedum Center. Or you can tap into the trendy with modern dancer Sarah Skaggs at the Warhol or tap the creative impulse of "works in progress" at the Dance Alloy. Then dance fans will have to look hard to quench their terpsichorean thirst during the summer heat waves. Young hopefuls from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet and Point Park College kick up their heels indoors, while their adult counterparts (PBT, Attack Theatre, Duquesne University Tamburitzans) take to the parks.

	Hot Pick Attack Theatre Attack Theatre morphs into many formats and can appear anywhere from an art gallery to a living room. The mainstays for its June 22 performance on an actual stage at the Three Rivers Arts Festival are the enterprising Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope. Joining them for "The Secret Life of...," an exploration of fantasy and reality, are Philadelphia-based choreographer Brian Sanders, cellist Dave Eggar, Brussels-based choreographer/performer Matteo Moles (formerly of Bejart Ballet) and Armelle Huet van Eecloo, a former dancer with Carolyn Carlson and director of La Compagnie Mosaique. Attack plans to escape the ordinary and the everyday with a chaotic maestro, a sleepy husband, a multitasking woman and a distracted janitor. Before that you can find them at the Mattress Factory for a site-determined work based on the James Turrell exhibition (June 2). -- Jane Vranish

DANCE ALLOY: "To Be Continued..." is the last of the Alloy's intimate dance conversations in its own great space. This one features works-in-progress by local choreographers, and best of all, it's free. Neighborhood Dance Center in Friendship (May 17). 412-363-4321.

PITTSBURGH DANCE COUNCIL: The season ends in a flurry of rhythms, put together by the one and only Gregory Hines -- triple-threat star of stage, screen and television. Benedum Center (May 18). 412-456-6666.

SARAH SKAGGS: Choreographer Sarah Skaggs makes her way into the "Off the Wall" series, bringing her brand of modern/community dance. The Andy Warhol Museum (May 18). 412-237-8339.

PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE SCHOOL SPRING PERFORMANCE: The advanced students perform selections from George Balanchine's "Emeralds" and "Western Symphony," Terence Marling's "Six of One," Mary Cunkleman's "Crash" and Kimmary Williams' "Vivaldi Concerto." Byham Theater (June 8). 412-456-6666.

PITTSBURGH YOUTH BALLET COMPANY: Artistic director Jean Gedeon always has a few surprises and this annual concert is no exception. There will be several local premieres by George Balanchine ("Walpurgisnacht," "Les Scaramouches," "Pierette/Pierrot Pas de Deux"), as well as a couple of new pieces by PYB resident choreographer Melissa Allen. Allen has created "With the Help of Angels" and will collaborate with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra associate conductor Lucas Richman on an as-yet-untitled work. Byham Theater (June 15-16). 412-835-1250 or 412-835-1335.

INTERNATIONAL SUMMERDANCE: More than 100 students attend this workshop, ending with performances, Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland (Aug. 2-3). 412-621-4445.

PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE SUMMER INTENSIVE: This summer program, which pulls students from around the country, will feature works by student choreographers. Chatham College's Eddy Theater (July 27). Tickets available at the door.

PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE: Artistic director Terrence Orr likes to show the company's contemporary side during this summer interlude. Hartwood (Aug. 25).

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY TAMBURITZANS: The Tammies' new show will feature an expanded "Armenian Suite" from Gagik Karepetian and a new work from Elena Lindtnerova-Kroslakova. Culled from Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, her piece will feature the group's new acquisition, Juraj Adamik, whose artistic repertoire includes juggling axes. South Park Amphitheatre (Aug. 23). 412-767-4521.

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