Center Dance Ensemble Opens New Season MASQUERADES with THE RETURN OF DRACULA

Just in time for Halloween, Center Dance Ensemble, opens its season at the Herberger Theater with Masquerades - Featuring The Return of Dracula. Artistic Director Frances Smith Cohen's piece, The Return of Dracula, is a haunting work which features Emilio Minto as the Vampire, Scott Bodily as his alternate persona of the legendary Count and Amber Robins as the innocent maiden, Mina.

Showcasing the athletic and otherworldly movement of Center Dance Ensemble's corps dancers, The Return of Dracula is set in the mysterious castle of the Count, and follows Dracula as he captivates and seduces all who cross his path. The cast also includes Katie McDowell, Madison MacDonald, and La Tonya Pentzer as the Brides of Dracula.

Masquerades will also feature four premiere works which evoke the hidden stories of the human condition. Assistant Artistic Director, Diane McNeal Hunt premieres a new work, Beneath the Surface, which explores the strength and determination of women that is hidden under their outward gentleness, Nicole Olson's Dying Swan- Really?, and Within the Picture Frame, which explores the secrets behind snapshots and family photos of our everyday life. Center Dance Ensemble will be joined by guest performers, Instinct Dancecorps, from Scottsdale Community College.

Center Dance Ensemble's production of Masquerades- Featuring The Return of Dracula will be heldOctober 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 pm and October 23 at 2:00 pm at the Herberger Theater Center, Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St, Phoenix AZ 85004

Tickets are $28 adults/$14 students and $23 for seniors and maybe purchased atwww.herbergertheater.org or by calling 602-252-8497.

Lunch Time Dance Theater Performances will be held Oct 20 & 21 at 12:00 pm. Tickets are $6; bring or buy lunch.