dancer in the park by Aldona Bird

GigapanMagazine.org  vol 2 issue 1

By Aldona Bird and Karen Bullock

Adelyn Biedenbach, a sophomore Print Journalism major and English minor, enjoys Point Park University's artistic atmosphere. Posing for pictures in Alumni Park, in the center of campus and the middle of Pittsburgh, she “love[s] that no one thinks it is odd or our of place” to be in public in leotard, tights, and pointe shoes. Biedenbach moved around the park holding different ballet positions, while normal city life carried on around her.

She started dancing when 6 or 7 years old, and does not think she will ever stop. She now takes pointe and modern dance, as well as three ballet classes per week through Point Park University's open dance class program. This year she also started teaching jazz and lyrical classes to 9-12 year-old students through the Carnegie Performing Arts Center. Biedenbach loves choreographing and usually spends half the class teaching routines to her dancers. Her choreographic style varies from “classical jazz and lyrical to [a] more quirky” way of moving and joining steps.

Biedenbach said that when she listens to music she can see what a dance to it would look like. “...this part would be a solo, this a group dance...” said Biedenbach. Her choreography will be performed on the stage for the first time this spring.

Biedenbach also loves to perform. She has danced in about 30 miscellaneous ballets. Her favorite part was the lead role in the ballet Madeleine. She also enjoys dancing in The Nutcracker, which she will do for the twelfth time this year. She dances not only on stage and in class, but “everywhere... even down the hallway” said Biedenbach laughing.

Biedenbach said that she likes the cultural and artistic environment in Pittsburgh. She especially enjoys Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's productions. A list of performances and ticket information about the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's shows can be found at www.pbt.org .
Pittsburgh has many performing arts companies and dance theaters, and offers more than ballet to the public. Downtown, home to the Benedum, Byham, and other theaters, as well as to Heinz Hall, hosts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (www.pittsburghsymphony.org ), touring groups, the Pittsburgh Public Theater, and other performing arts groups.

Point Park University contributes to the performing arts in the Pittsburgh area. The Pittsburgh Playhouse, the Performing Arts Center for Point Park university, presents many student and professional productions. Point Park University students perform plays, musicals, and dance productions through the Pittsburgh Playshouse. In addition to providing Conservatory of the Performing Arts major with performance opportunities, the Pittsburgh Playhouse also provides affordable tickets for the general pubic and for students. Information about shows and tickets can be found on the website www.pittsburghplayhouse.com .
Point Park students have opportunities to perform in various venues. While only students enrolled in the Conservatory of the Performing Arts participate in Point Park University and Pittsburgh Playhouse performances, the university offers open dance classes to students of any major. Adelyn Biedenbach, takes advantage of these classes so that she can continue training and enjoying dance, while majoring in Journalism.