by Brian Mengini for The Dance Journal
Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania, founded in 1978 by former Pennsylvania Ballet dancer Marilyn Budzynski, has long been a pillar in the Bucks County arts community. The goal and mission of this theatre company is to groom young dancers in a pre-professional environment as well as to make dance accessible to the community at an affordable cost while still providing quality productions.
She gets by, or achieves this with a little help from her friends (and family). Take one look at the faculty or program for a show and you will see clearly the caliber of artists she has helping her fulfill this vision. It is no wonder DTOP has been an institution in the community for as long as it has, earning her on behalf of the DTOP the 2001 lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to the arts, presented by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
But when your son and his wife are principals for Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and your son in law is a dancer with the Trey McIntyre Project and daughter is wardrobe manager for TMP, great things are bound to be in store!! Her faculty, comprised of current professional dancers from various companies including a large amount from Pennsylvania Ballet, ensures a quality education in the art with her school, Budzynski Studios. The Dance Theater’s program has produced many successful professional dancers who have enjoyed careers with companies such as Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Pacific Northwest, just to name a few…
Marilyn and the Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania produce two performances a year, Nutcracker in December and one in the Spring. This year’s spring performance will be the comedic ballet, Coppelia, and will feature Alexandra Kochis and Christopher Budzynski in the lead roles. Coppelia will take the stage at 3 p.m. May 22 and 23 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn.
For tickets, please visit www.dtopa.org
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