Terpsichord, the contemporary dance company of Girls Preparatory School, will present "Chiaroscuro," a dance concert contrasting light and shadow, at the school, 205 Island Ave., this weekend.
Performances of the free spring concert are set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 2-3, in the school's Frierson Theatre.
"The creativity and passion of our youth is the future of our culture," says Terpsichord concert director Cathie Ault Kasch. "This performance showcases those very things. There is a wide variety of movement, message, and music represented in this concert." Kasch is assisted by associate director, Laurel Moore Zahrobsky.
Terpsichord's contemporary dance pieces feature student and guest choreographers. This year, dancers received instruction from Lawrence Jackson, an assistant professor of dance at the University of Alabama, and Daniel Gwirtzman, artistic director of his New York City-based dance company.
Terpsichord, will perform "Storm," originally developed for the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive. Terpsichord allowed Gwirtzman the opportunity to expand the piece in scope.
The jazz dance, choreographed by Jackson to combine classical jazz dance with African dance, is performed to the music of Ricky La Nina.
"This choreographically demanding piece has an energy that is electric," says Zahrobsky. "The audience will love watching the dancers move in very fast and intricate ways to a fun and upbeat rhythm."
Other featured dances include "Inesperado," set to the song "Havana" by Camila Cabello and choreographed by senior Tatiana Poggi. "Inesperado" is influenced by dance styles such as bachata, flamenco and salsa.
Other dance pieces will also feature music by today's pop stars, including "A Walk In Empathy," set to music by electronic duo Odesza, and "Generation Z," set to music of Alicia Keys, David Guetta, Sia and Rihanna.
Members of the senior class in Terpsichord chose "Afterglow" as their senior piece to highlight their unity as a class and their individuality as dancers.
Terpsichord is open to girls in grades 10 to 12 by audition only. Student choreography is strongly emphasized in the company.
The company performs three major concerts a year and studies with professional dancers and choreographers, who come to GPS as part of the guest artist program. In addition to the after-school component of the ensemble, members can take Terpsichord I, II and III as part of their curriculum.
For more information: 423-634-7600.