Legendary Martha Graham Dance Company Performs at Byham; Pitt vs. Marshall (Sat., 10/1/16)

Girlz rule: the Martha Graham Dance Company was originally all women, and the repertoire still features plenty of star turns for dancers like Xiaochuan Xie, shown here in “Diversion of Angels.” (Photo: Hubbard Nash Photography)

1) Strange but true: the oldest surviving dance company in this country is a modern dance company. Although ballet is quite old, for centuries it was based mainly in Europe, and thus the grandmother of all U.S. troupes is the vastly influential Martha Graham Dance Company, founded in New York in 1926. And when the company’s current dancers visit town with a show that combines old and new works, they are bringing Graham’s legacy back to where she began. Martha Graham was born in Allegheny (now Pittsburgh’s North Side) in 1894 and spent most of her childhood here, moving with the family to California at age 10.

New forms of artistic dance were emerging in those years, led by dancers tied neither to ballet nor to musical theater. Graham as a young adult learned from two now-legendary pioneers of the movement, Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, then set out to create on her own. She developed a visceral, sensual approach to dance that remained distinctive while it borrowed from sources ranging from American Indian dance to honky-tonk rag. Graham lived long and fruitfully. She danced until she was 75 and kept choreographing until her death at 96, in 1991. Her company’s Pittsburgh program—presented by Pittsburgh Dance Council—includes two classic Graham pieces plus a contemporary sequel to her “Lamentation,” and a new piece by Swedish choreographer Pontus Lindberg. 8 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6^th St., Cultural District. (MV)

2) The Pitt Panthers football team continue their season today against the Thundering Herd of Marshall. The Panthers will rely on quarterback Nate Peterman, defensive back—and sometimes running back— Jordan Whitehead, offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty, defensive lineman Ejuan Price, and running back James Connor to get back on the winning track after back to back last minute losses against Oklahoma State and North Carolina. What’s promising is that the Panthers can go into hostile environments and be in a shot to win the game. Let’s get down there and cheer on the squad. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

3) Texture Contemporary Ballet, a company that performs exactly what its name says, is putting forth a slate of original works under the title Impulse. As in all Texture shows, the dances are grounded in traditional ballet techniques but adapted and enhanced in new ways. Impulse features a ballet set to recorded songs by Adele, and another accompanied by a live singer. Also in keeping with Texture’s practice, the schedule includes a special (and usually condensed) performance for children at 4 p.m.  8 p.m. for general audiences. Ends tomorrow. Grown-ups are welcome at all performances. New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (MV)

Free Allegheny County RADical Days Events 

COOPER-SIEGEL LIBRARY: PASSAGES AND PROSE: A Gathering of Authors & Their Books
Free admission 10am–4pm
An annual literary event featuring 25 authors, workshops and children’s activities. More information at www.passagesandprose.com.
403 Fox Chapel Road (Fox Chapel) · coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org

FORT PITT MUSEUM
Free admission 10am–5pm
Get to the point of Pittsburgh’s history and experience the dramatic, world-changing events that occurred right here in Western Pennsylvania. Explore Pittsburgh life in the 18th century.
Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Pl. (Downtown)  · heinzhistorycenter.org

KST’S ALLOY SCHOOL- FREE DANCE DAY
Free admission 10am–2pm
Always wanted to dance ballet like Misty Copeland or groove like Drake? Then you won’t want to miss this! You’ll start out in the morning with pre-ballet and hip hop demonstrations for children ages 3-12. Later, the entire family will enjoy an afternoon of movement in our state-of-the-art studio starting with Zumba, line dancing, healthy treats and more.
5530 Penn Avenue (Friendship) · kelly-strayhorn.org

PITTSBURGH MUSICAL THEATER PRESENTS: DANCING IN THE STREETS
Free admission noon–1:30pm
Join in the fun and celebration with entertainment and activities for the entire family.
327 South Main Street (West End) · pittsburghmusicals.com

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST: GHOST STORIES
Free admission noon-1pm
Gather the whole family to hear storyteller Alison K. Babusci share her most popular program featuring spine-tingling tales as well as hauntingly funny ones. This program will delight all ages. Bring your PJ’s and a pillow, if you’d like.
Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Ave. (Downtown) · trustarts.org

PRIME STAGE THEATRE AT CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PITTSBURGH-MAIN
Free admission 1pm
Re-live 1930’s Alabama when Prime Stage presents a “preview” of To Kill a Mockingbird and celebrate our 20th Season of quality, literate-inspired theatre. Meet Scout, Atticus, Jem and Dill.
4400 Forbes Avenue/1st Floor Reading Room (Oakland) · carnegielibrary.org ·primestagetheatre.com

NEW HAZLETT THEATER PRESENTS TEXTURE CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Free admission 4–5pm
This performance will consist of a 20-30 minute excerpt of Texture’s show Impulse, followed by an interactive portion where children are invited on stage for creative movement games. The New Hazlett Theater is a hub for creative activity, welcoming a broad range of performing artists, diverse audiences and community performances.
6 Allegheny Square East (North Side)  · newhazletttheater.org · textureballet.org

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