Elms College performance series to begin in October

CHICOPEE "The Elms College Magic, Music, and Dance Series" announces it's new program for 2005-2006. The series, presented by the Elms College Campus Activities Office, will feature four special one-night engagements with national touring performers, "The Evasons: Mentalist Duo" on Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m.; "The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion" on Friday Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.; "The First Break Dance Competition" on Feb. 4, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.; and "The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats" on April 24, 2006.

All performances are on the Elms College campus, in Veritas Auditorium, Chicopee Massachusetts. Tickets are $10 per show. Admission for the Break Dance Competition is $5. A series ticket is $30. Group-rates save 25% for the purchase of 10 tickets or more. For tickets contact the Elms College Campus Activities Office at 413-265-2211. Only Visa and MasterCard, cash, and checks will be accepted.

The series begins on October 2 with award winning psychic entertainers "The Evasons". Mentalists Jeff & Tessa Evason have performed their mind-blowing show of interactive mentalism, and comic relief for audiences in 28 countries, and television viewers worldwide on NBC, FOX, PAX and Discovery Channel.

At the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, Siegfried & Roy presented the Evasons with "The SARMOTI" Award as their favorite act. The Psychic Entertainers Association honored them with the "Dunninger" Award for Excellence in the Performance of Mentalism. The Evasons' spellbinding show has been drawing record crowds at campuses across North America.

The magic continues on Friday Nov. 11 with "The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion". Kevin and Cindy Spencer have entertained audiences throughout the United States and around the world. Combining cutting-edge illusions with magic, music, scenery, lighting, and special effects, they produce a powerful theatrical experience the audience never forgets.

The Spencers have received "Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year" six times. They have received the "Best Performing Arts Event Award" as well as winning the "Campus Entertainers Award" twice. Andre Kole, one of the foremost leading magicians and creators of illusions has said that "The dynamic and spellbinding performances of the Spencers have given countless audiences throughout America the rare opportunity to see and experience the theatrical art of magic presented at it's very best."

As one of the offerings for Black History Month the series turns it's attention to dance as the "First Break Dance Competition" takes the stage on Saturday February 4th, 2006.

The Elms College will reach into the community of "at-risk youth" as we present this urban youth culture dance style. Break Dancing involves a variety of footwork patterns, spinning and gymnastic-like moves.

This dance form has been influenced by a great number of sources including African dance. James Brown has inspired many dancers with his energetic and almost acrobatic dance on stage. The extremely popular 70's martial-arts films have also made a contribution. The term, "Breakdancing" actually arose with the growing recognition of this art form by the media.

The early 80's battles between dance crews attracted the attention of the public and "Breaking", "B-Boy-ing" or "Breakdancing" became associated with other street dance styles such as "Locking" and "Popping".

The series ends on April 24, 2006, "The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats" return to Elms College. "The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats" have become the world's leading Chinese acrobatic troupe, performing for over 25 years.

The members of the troupe are actors, athletes, and artists with an unmistakable love for their art. Their spellbinding feats of physical daring and grace, enhanced by elaborate traditional costumes in brilliant colors and a combination of ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques, continue to enthrall audiences of all ages worldwide.

Director of the troupe, world-renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine their expertise, love of their art, and life-long discipline in producing tours for the CGDA. Their dedication has brought their company around the world to all 50 states and over 65 countries on five continents including performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Germany's Elspe Festival, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the Seattle Children's Festival.

"The Golden Dragons present a well-paced sampler of a highly stylized art form ... There is a precision and beauty about everything these performers do," according to the Washington Post. This award-winning company has been named "Entertainer of the Year" seven times by the National Association of Campus Activities and "Performer of the Year" by Campus Activities Today.