WVU Tech is excited to announce an upcoming performance of the award-winning “Fire in the Hole: A Coal History” by the West Virginia Dance Company (WVDC) at the Tech Center Ballroom on Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
The performance, supported by the National Coal Heritage Area Authority, tells the story of early settlers who came to West Virginia to work in the coalfields in the southern part of the state.
“It’s a moving, educational and extremely accurate portrayal of the life of workers, families and the sense of community in early coal camps,” said Managing Artistic Director of the WVDC, Toneta Akers-Toler.
Toler, who choreographed the piece, grew up in southern West Virginia and wanted to share the story of the area’s coal-rich history.
“People knew very little about our ancestors who worked in the mines, but I believed there was a rich story to tell. So, I went about researching where these people came from, how they lived and how they overcame daily struggles. This is such an uplifting story and makes me very proud to be a West Virginian.”
The WVDC will present additional concert works at WVU Tech on October 2, including “Five Chapters from a Broken Novel” by internationally acclaimed choreographer, Doug Varone, as well as new works from Donald Laney and other choreographers.
The performance is free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages.
For more on the WVDC, visit WVDanceCo.com or contact Nora Morris at development@wvdancecom. For questions about the WVU Tech event, contact the Office of Student Life at (304) 442-3158.
About the West Virginia Dance Company
Since 1977, the WVDC has toured throughout West Virginia, as well as 14 other states, with their blend of entertaining and thought-provoking modern works. They are the state’s only professional touring dance company and provide award-winning performances and educational programs throughout the state and region.