‘Terpsichore’ show features classical, contemporary dance

Hilton Head Dance Theatre will present an exciting program of classical and contemporary dance featuring company members and distinguished guest artists this month. Shows are 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 2:30 p.m. April 30 at the Seahawk Cultural Center on the campus of Hilton Head Island High School, 70 Wilborn Road.

The program takes its name from Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance, and is always an audience favorite. Dancers and audience members alike enjoy the unique collection of dance genres. The program opens with “Gershwin Suite,” Ballet Master Jamal Edwards’ exuberant ballet set to some of George Gershwin’s most beloved tunes. Featured will be Alex Watts and guest artist Anatto McMillan.

Also on the program is an elegant pas de deux, featuring Jordan Gentemann and guest Will Scott, set to the exquisitely beautiful “Gymnopédies” by Erik Satie.

Changing the mood will be “Sunnyside of the Street,” HHDT artistic director and co-founder John Carlyle’s spin on the music of the Irish rock band The Pogues. This piece will star Colleen Ott and Jamal Edwards.

Deana St. Hillaire will dazzle in “A

Rose for Ecclesiastes” – a dance ode to beauty.

Edwards was inspired by the music of “They Might Be Giants” and has restaged the fan favorite “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).” It will feature Caroline Denckhoff, Jamie Hanley and Alex Watts.

Edwards was also inspired to create “Empowered,” a tribute to the talented and amazing women of the Hilton Head Dance Theatre. It will be performed for the first time on this program.

The finale of this spectacular program is HHDT artistic director and co-founder Karena Brock-Carlyle’s staging of the third act of Marius Petipa’s masterpiece, “Don Quixote,” featuring the iconic wedding pas de deux. Featured as Kitri and Basilio are Lucy Peltz and guest artist Will Scott.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children 18 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hiltonheaddance.com.