An exhilarating dance show featuring world-class dancers and musicians performing three captivating dance forms will kick off the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Season of Entertainment 36 with a show at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16.

 

The Step Crew will perform at the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center, located at 55 S. 7th St. The show brings together Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance and tapdance backed by three fiddlers and a five-piece ensemble.

 

The group is comprised of some of the top dancers in the world in their respective dance forms, including Cara Butler, winner of six national titles in Irish stepdancing; Jon Pilatzke, three-time winner of the Canadian Open Stepdancing Championships; Nathan Pilatzke, winner of a Gemini Award, the Canadian equivalent of the Emmy Award; and Shane Cook, a three-time national fiddle champion in Canada.

 

The show has received rave reviews, with Paddy Moloney of the Irish band The Chieftains calling it “a brilliant visual and musical display of the most talented dancers I’ve ever seen.” Esteemed stepdancer Jean Butler said the show’s “focus, energy, and sheer virtuosity … is nothing short of mind-boggling.”

 

Stacey Jones, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events, said the show will be “one of the most exciting performances of the season.”

 

“These are some of the top dancers in the world performing with equally talented musicians, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring them to Fort Smith,” Jones said. “This is a high-energy show that will be great family entertainment. Nobody should miss it.”

 

The show is part of Season of Entertainment 36, a year-long lineup of entertainment sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith featuring a variety of plays, musicals and symphonic performances. Ticket prices are $30 or $27 depending on seating and are available by contacting the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300 or visiting http://uafs.universitytickets.com.