Years ago the local dance community along with The Pittsburgh Dance Council united the second week of April to celebrate National Dance Week with classes, performances, discussions and workshops bringing the community together. April 8 through 15, 2018 the tradition will continue as local dance organizations under the direction of The D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble have taken the initiative to restart the week of activities.

In a proclamation declaring April 8 “Pittsburgh Dance Week” in the City of Pittsburgh, Mayor William Peduto stated, “Pittsburgh’s Dance Week is enjoying a rebirth with the goal to demonstrate the diversity and strength of our City’s dance community. Dance is an important component of our arts environment which includes nationally and internationally renowned artists.

The week of activities at venues throughout the City will include performances by Nick M. Daniels of the D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble, Ecstatic Dance Pittsburgh and Tricia Chirumbole, African Dance with Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, Hill Dance Academy Theatre Home of Ju.B.Lation Spirit Filled Feet, and BODYTRAFFIC presented by the Pittsburgh Dance Council.

In addition, Staycee Pearl Dance Project will present a Charette, Maria Angelica Caruso's Bodiography will present a ballet class with Kelley Basil. Also on tap will be a Somatic Workshop with Gia Cacalano and Weylin Gomez, a Contact Improv workshop with Laura Stokes and friends, and Point Park University will conduct an Arts and Entrepreneurial symposium.

“The idea of bringing Pittsburgh Dance Week back to the city after years of absence has been well received,” said Nick M. Daniels.

Looking to show pride in Pittsburgh’s dance community, his belief is that it's important to show the strength of Pittsburgh’s dance community. “We are led by an internationally renowned artist and Pittsburgh's dance community has many nationally and internationally renowned artists.”

A local choreographer and the artistic director of the D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble (Dancers Against Normal Actions), Daniels founded his company while gaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Slippery Rock University. Since then he, along with his company, have received many awards, accolades and favorable reviews from across the country, including performing at the Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Carnegie Museum and with the Pittsburgh Dance Council. Along with developing as a choreographer and dancer, throughout his career he has served as teacher and mentor to many area dancers and choreographers.

Delighted to resurrect Dance Week in his hometown, Daniels said it is not to late to get involved. For more information he can be contacted at 412-606-7873, n.daniels@danamovement.com or by viewing his website at www.danamovement.com.

Photo © & courtesy of Nick Daniels