Cat Ardes
Arts & Culture Editor

There are many things that Lancaster continually strives to make better for its community, but one area in which it excels is its variety of performing arts. No matter the time of year, the city’s performing arts scene is thriving: from classical ballet and hip-hop dance to cabarets and acting skits with sign language. Since winter is not the most welcoming environment for prolonged time outdoors, it’s more convenient to make that short walk from your car or house to the theater to spend your time inside watching a talented routine.
Franklin & Marshall College’s Department of Dance has partnered with Millersville University to bring Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company to Millersville’s off-campus location, The Ware Center, on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Lori Belilove is a dancer and choreographer who is devoted to creating and maintaining the legacy of modern dancer Isadora Duncan, who, before her unexpected and tragic death in which her scarf caught the spokes of her sports car, was world-renown for introducing exceptional dance techniques. Through her efforts, Belilove keeps her name alive and has been hailed as the most authentic Duncan dance interpreter.

Lori Belilove is a dancer and choreographer who is devoted to creating and maintaining the legacy of modern dancer Isadora Duncan.
Lori Belilove is a dancer and choreographer who is devoted to creating and maintaining the legacy of modern dancer Isadora Duncan.

Belilove was never a student or performer with Duncan but Duncan’s techniques have been passed down to Belilove through interaction and time spent with her previous students. Belilove’s first Duncan teachers were second generation Duncan Dancers Julia Levien, Hortense Kooluris, and Mignon Garland. She was coached for performance and technique by first generation Duncan Dancers Anna Duncan and Irma Duncan, two of the six adopted artistic daughters of Isadora, also known as the Isadorables.
Belilove is featured and is the leading dancer in the award-winning PSB documentary “Isadora Duncan: Movement from the Soul” narrated by stage and screen actress Julie Harris. Belilove is a master teacher and she has held residencies at distinguished institutions such as Harvard University, The Julliard School, Northwestern University, Smith College, University of Alabama, Ohio State and Drexel University.
Belilove’s company has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Russia, Korea and Europe in artistically diverse settings ranging from performing arts centers and museums to outdoor festivals and dance competitions. The company has recently performed at the Theater of the Russian Army and the Urania Theater in Budapest (where Isadora made her debut as a professional dancer) for dignitaries welcoming outside modern dance into their country. Belilove herself has staged and danced the leading role as Isadora in a new dance-theater work, “Isadora… No Apologies”, a routine that was performed at sold-out houses for two weeks.

Belilove is the leading dancer in the award-winning PBS documentary “Isadora Duncan: Movement from the Soul.”
Belilove is the leading dancer in the award-winning PBS documentary “Isadora Duncan: Movement from the Soul.”

As far as the media goes, “Lori Belilove & The Isadora Duncan Dance Company” has been featured in many photographs, articles and interviews and has appeared in many dance magazines and publications of the Associated Press such as The New Yorker, The Smithsonian, Dance Magazine, Ballet Internationale, Korean Times, Dancar Magazine in Brazil, Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher Now, Dance Australia and Greek-American. Belilove and other company dancers have been featured in TV specials and documentaries in America, Brazil, Greece and Russia that has brought them world-wide attention for their unique ability and talent.
Lori Belilove’s Isadora Duncan Company has received much praise and positive compliments throughout their touring and years of experience. As the New York Times once said “Lori Belilove and Company stand out… fervently committed performances… insights and revelations… sensuality… brilliant”. This rhythmic and unique dance company will bring a new passion to the stage: a passion to tell a story through dance, and an expression of talent honed by many years of dedication isn’t seen every day.
Tickets cost $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors, and $5 for students with MU ID. For tickets or general questions, call (717) 872-3811, go online at www.artsmu.com, or stop in person at the Ware Center Box Office (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or at ticket office in the SMC building on campus. Tickets may be purchased the day of the show at least one hour prior to the performance if they are still available.