Rowan dancers get into the GROOVE

With prime time dance shows scoring big ratings, Rowan University responds with Groove. Created by choreographer and faculty member Paule Turner, Groove is an original theatrical work that frees a woman's body to move in any range of motion. The production runs April 24, 25 and 26, 2008 at 8 pm, with a Sunday matinee on April 27 at 3 pm in Tohill Theatre.

This hybrid creation empowers 14 women to generate emotion and...heat. Accompanied by house beats & Prince-esque vocals, the production creates a feverish and otherworldly environment. The sounds of Groove will leave the audience lusting for culture.

If the question is "So you think you can dance," then Rowan’s modern dancers answer, "Watch and learn!" Turner notes, "These programs tout contemporary dance, but what does that mean?"  In an attempt to define the current dance climate, Turner fuses jazz, modern, and social dance with limitless female expression. Thus, he lifts the movement to a higher plane -- while really getting down. Groove is a seamless melding of craft and spirit.

"Don't underestimate the power of dancing girls," exclaims Turner. For centuries, the female form has possessed the ability to tantalize any public. From ballet to burlesque, scantily clad ladies may not bare all -- but they make sure the audience knows what is beyond their facade.  Similarly, Groove dares women to be sexy, amazing and provocative.

The cast features Dana Bender of Rockaway Township, Kerry Baglivio of Point Pleasant, Brianne Crines of Wall Township, Jessica Donovan of Washington Township, Carly Dufford of Jackson, Mary Egan of Medford, Cheryl Francaviglia of Brick Township, Sarah Ginder of Kinnelon, Megan Kovarovic of Mantua Township, Courtney Mackey of Riverdale, Samantha Mock of Washington Township, Lauren O'Shea of Edison, Amanda Pioppi of Piney Hollow (Newfield) and Jen Yorkanis of Toms River.

Hailed as Philly's most madcap movement artist, Turner received his BFA in Dance from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) and his MFA in Dance from Temple University. He has been awarded several grants and fellowships supported by Pennsylvania State Council on the Arts and Dance Advance/The Pew Charitable Trusts.  He has traveled to Scotland with his performance ensemble, c o u r t, and has toured with the company’s third original interdisciplinary work, TOUCHED.  As an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre & Dance at Rowan, Turner serves as a link to the professional dance community of Philadelphia for students who wish to enhance their studies with professional examples.

Tohill Theatre is located in Bunce Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro.  Tickets are $10, general admission; and $5 for seniors, students, staff and alumni. For information and advance tickets, visit www.rowan.edu/theatredance or call the Box Office at (856) 256-4545.