October 3, 2008

We're unveiling the newly constructed dance studio located next to the Mandell Theater with a reception and performance on October 3rd at 7 PM. The studio was created to support our new Dance major and has been named in honor of Ellen Forman, a Philadelphia dance pioneer. An original dance choreographed by the late Ms. Forman will be performed by the Drexel Dance ensemble and a video on Ms. Forman's contribution to the Philadelphia dance scene will be shown.

Westphal now offers students a Bachelor's degree in dance which can lead to a Master of Arts degree in dance/movement therapy in partnership with the College of Nursing and Health Professions or a Master of Science degree in elementary education with the School of Education.

Ellen Forman was the co-founder and director of South Street Dance Company and was a scholar on the work of Isadora Duncan. Each year she produced five concerts at the Painted Bride Art Center entitled Body/Language which brought together artists to explore the integration of text and dance. An innovative choreographer and a charismatic performer, Ms. Forman worked extensively as a teaching artist in residence for Philadelphia area schools. The new studio was made possible in part because of a grant from the Ellen Forman Memorial Fund, a donor advised fund of the Philadelphia Foundation.

DETAILS:

• The Ellen Forman Memorial Dance Studio Grand Opening
• Friday, October 3, 7 PM
• Mandell Theater and Dance Studio, MacAlister Hall (33rd and Chestnut St.)
• Free and open to the public, reservation requested at 215-895-ALUM
• For more information visit www.drexel.edu/westphal/dance