KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 21, 2017

'Metamorphosis' debuts at new Kennesaw State Dance Theater

“Metamorphosis,” a unique collaboration featuring nearly 80 Kennesaw State singers and dancers will debut in the new 450-seat Dance Theater on the Marietta Campus this Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25.

Kennesaw State’s Dance Theater is the culmination of an intensive construction/renovation project to transform the existing proscenium theater into an ideal venue for dance. Located in the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center on the Marietta Campus, the original multi-purpose theater was built in 1962.

Developed by Ivan Pulinkala, founding director of the Department of Dance at Kennesaw State, the new facility will serve as a rental performance venue for dance in the region under the care of a resident technical director. It also will host student organizations and University functions.

It will be the first theater designed specifically for dance in the metro area and will be the performance home for the KSU Dance Company.

“Kennesaw State's multifaceted arts and culture programs not only enhance and enrich our campus community, they contribute substantially to our vibrant regional culture,” said Kennesaw State President Sam Olens. “This new Dance Theater adds yet another dimension of artistic richness to our campus and the Greater Atlanta community.”

The Dance Theater is equipped with a permanently installed sprung Marley dance floor and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and audio system.

During the past six months, construction crews have added a new proscenium arch to bring the stage closer to the audience, extended the depth of the stage and installed a new LED lighting grid to support a dynamic dance-lighting system. A new HVAC system, comfortable seating and sound-absorbing wall treatments, completed the almost $1 million transformation.

“Our new Dance Theater will help fill a void for choreographers and local dance companies by providing an affordable performance venue fully equipped for the presentation of concert dance,” said College of the Arts Dean Patty Poulter.

Pulinkala choreographed “Metamorphosis,” a 45-minute work, featuring an original instrumental score by music major Eric Ramos, and an original choral score by Michael Engelhardt. “Metamorphosis” includes 19 dancers from the KSU Dance Company and 60 singers from the KSU Chorus, conducted by Leslie Blackwell. Lighting design is by David Tatu, scenic design is by Ming Chen, costume design by Elena Rao, and visual design is by Rebecca Makus.

"'Metamorphosis’ evokes both the metaphorical transformation of people through the power of knowledge, as well as the physical transformation of the venue into a dance theater,” Pulinkala explained.

The Marietta Dance Theater Board has many ways for patrons to help support the new Dance Theater, including naming opportunities, sponsorships, and seat donations. Learn more at KSUDance.com.

For tickets to “Metamorphosis,” which runs March 24-25, visit ticketing.kennesaw.edu, or call 470-578-6650.                                    

About The Department of Dance at Kennesaw State University

The Department of Dance at Kennesaw State University has gained regional and national attention over the past decade as Georgia’s largest collegiate dance program, and one of the fastest growing in the nation. Under Ivan Pulinkala’s leadership, the department has partnered with organizations such as Atlanta Ballet, the Cobb Energy Center, the Rialto at Georgia State University, and the Israeli Consulate, to host international companies, attract acclaimed artists, launch a study abroad program in Israel and develop professional performance opportunities. Learn more at KSUDance.com.

-- Robert S. Godlewski

Photos: Lauren Lopez de Azua

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.