Fall Step dance performance is Dec. 4

Shadows Dance Troupe will be performing along with 15 other Cornell dance troupes at Fall Step 2004, which will showcase styles of dance that range from traditional Indian and belly dancing to tap, modern, hip-hop and much more. All pieces are choreographed by members of the troupes.

Fall Step 2004 will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at Kulp Auditorium in Ithaca High School. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets are available at the Willard Straight Hall box office and on Ho Plaza Dec. 2 and 3, or from Shadows Dance Troupe or On Site Volunteer Services (OSVS) staff. For more information, call OSVS at 256-0071 or e-mail Erica Ritter at elr26@cornell.edu.

Shadows Dance Troupe organized its first annual Fall Step performance in 1994, creating a forum for many of Cornell's dance troupes. The original producers hoped to engage as many troupes as possible to perform, celebrating their love of dance. Eight years ago, Shadows Dance Troupe began working with OSVS, and since then all proceeds from the performance have been donated to that organization. OSVS is a student-run nonprofit in Ithaca that links local volunteer groups with the needs of over 40 nonprofit agencies in the Ithaca area. OSVS coordinates weekly volunteer projects for dozens of volunteers ranging from painting to trail maintenance to visiting the elderly.

"The support of Cornell organizations like Shadows is integral to OSVS, and we are so honored to continue our relationship with Shadows Dance Troupe and the Cornell student community," said Lauren Merkley, executive director of OSVS. "As we seek to provide easy, accessible and interesting volunteer opportunities to Cornell students, it is wonderful to have the financial support of Cornell groups in return."