For Immediate Release: Jan. 20, 2010

BLOOMSBURG — Celebrating more than 20 years of ground-breaking dance, River North Chicago Dance Company will present the first program of the new year in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Celebrity Artist Series. The performance will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall.

River North Chicago Dance Company has shaped its signature style through performances in Chicago and on national and international tours. Founded in 1989 by four dancers and choreographers, River North Chicago has established itself as a professional, contemporary ensemble and one of the country's leading dance companies. The jazz-based company, under the artistic direction of Frank Chaves, incorporates highly skilled and emotive dancers, stimulating music and commanding choreography. Chaves, who joined the company in 1993, has created more than 20 works in the company’s repertoire, as well as choreography for other dance troupes.

General admission to River North Chicago Dance Company at BU is $29, and tickets can be purchased at the Haas box office Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday's box office hours are extended to 7 p.m. when school is in session; performance days, box office hours are noon to 8 p.m.

A pre-curtain speech on performance highlights will be offered in Haas Gallery at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at (570) 389-4409 or the Celebrity Artist Series Web site. For more information on River North Chicago Dance Company, visit its Web site.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university serves approximately 9,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.