The Zodiaque Dance Company, under the direction of Artistic Director Kerry Ring and Managing Director Jenna Del Monte, opens its 46th anniversary year with “What is Dance?” Oct. 17-20 in the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Arts, North Campus.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17-19 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 20.

Zodiaque’s fall concert will entertain audiences with various styles of dance, including popular American forms and interpretive expressions of contemporary movement. It will include choreography by Ring, clinical associate professor of theatre and dance, and Del Monte, clinical assistant professor; former dance faculty and alumna Danielle Sheather; and former faculty member William Thomas.

In addition, current MFA dance student Mary Schnepf will present “As Within, So Without,” a dance on film, faculty member and former Zodiaque Artistic Director Tom Ralabate will create a capoeira and jazz fusion dance. 

Other highlights of the concert include works by professional guest artists-in-residence Entity Contemporary Dance, a Los Angeles-based group that forges connections between hip hop, contemporary and modern dance. UB dance alumna Angel Mammoliti is a member of Entity, and will help re-stage one of the company’s recent works with senior Zodiaque students.

In addition, Ali Dietz, a New York City-based tap dancer and choreographer, will highlight Zodiaque’s rhythm and tap skills.

Illuminating the concert will be student lighting designer Hannah Mackey.

Tickets for “What is Dance” are $20 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the Center for the Arts box office and at ticketfly.com.