The West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance will present “Dance Now!” Feb. 1-3 in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the Creative Arts Center.

“Dance Now!” is an annual dance concert choreographed by students, faculty and guest artists. The performance gives WVU students the opportunity to hone their performance abilities in a professional environment while learning about collaboration between performer, choreographer and designer. 

The pieces showcased in this year’s concert have gone through a careful audition and selection process. According to Yoav Kaddar, director and associate professor of dance at WVU, the best of the best students are chosen for the concert.

“When you audition, you are chosen for the dancing you display at the audition, regardless of your class rank,” Kaddar said. “It is all part of the educational experience our students undergo.”

“Dance Now!” not only utilizes the skills of choreographers and dancers, but challenges students studying costuming, lighting, sound and technical production. Putting on a concert of this size takes massive collaboration within the School of Theatre and Dance.

“Dancers and choreographers get to work with a lighting designer and costume designer, so it’s a collaborative team, which is reflective of the professional world,” Kaddar said. “It’s wonderful to see it come together, especially when you see it from inception and then to a fully produced piece. It’s such a wonderful journey they take, and it’s always exciting to see it come to fruition. It’s a very gratifying feeling.”

In addition to WVU student pieces, students from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, choreographed by Harald Lender, will perform classical etudes during the show.

The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1-2 and 2 p.m. Feb. 3.  Tickets are available through the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW or by visiting Ticketmaster.