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Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
The Daily Pennsylvanian

Penn Dance performs original jazz and modern works

The 22-member dance troupe presents an original dance program each semester, usually in a modern or jazz style. The nine dance pieces have been choreographed by students and professionals, ranging from duets to full-cast spectacles. Penn Dance has been in existence since 1976 and benefits from dance classes taught by professionals. "It used to be very, very modern," Penn Dance member and College sophomore Jessica Tsai said. "Last semester was more jazzy. This semester is a good mix." "It's a strong program this year," she said. While for most Penn Dance members dance instruction is old hat -- some have studied ballet and other types of dance for many years -- one member makes up for lost years with sheer talent, Tsai said. This dancer never took a single dance class before she auditioned for the group. The original program includes pieces titled "23 Positions," "Gaea" and "What is this Thing Called Love?" Tickets are being sold this week on Locust Walk. -- Tereza Nemessanyi