St. Olaf College Veselica International Dance Ensemble Spring Concert

The St. Olaf College Dance Department proudly presents the annual spring concert of VESELICA International Dance Ensemble. The performances will take place on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. in Dittmann Center's Wagner-Bundgaard Studio. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are needed.

Veselica is one of two dance companies at St. Olaf College and has a special emphasis on global awareness. The ensemble strives to expose the campus and community to varied world dance traditions performed in costume, and to give some background about the cultural significance of the forms. Anne von Bibra, director and resident choreographer of Veselica, founded the dance ensemble in 1989. Von Bibra has an extensive background in international dance. The Dance Department at St. Olaf College is a charter member and accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.

This year the performances will feature dances from the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Java, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, Taiwan, and Turkey. The program includes new pieces by guest choreagraphers Andrea Conger (Veselica Alum '98) and Ahmet Lüleci. Naomi Munggai, who is a Malaysia native and long-standing Northfield community member also created a Joget choreography for the ensemble. Guest performances will be made by Heidi Gusa '09 and Companydance's First Year Project.

There will be a reception immediately following the Friday and Sunday performances with international delicacies. For further information about Veselica or the upcoming concerts, please contact Anne von Bibra in the St. Olaf College Dance Department at (507) 646-3663 or vonbibra@stolaf.edu.