Kate Jordan from CityDance2, one of the nine companies coming to Shepherdstown for the Ninth Annual Goose Route Dance Festival. (Photo: Paul Gordon Emerson)

“Developing New Eyes for Dance” is the theme of the Preview Party for the Goose Route Dance Festival. The party, taking place on Friday, June 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies, 213 North King Street, Shepherdstown, kicks off the Festival’s ninth season. After light refreshments in the rotunda, the nine professional dance companies performing at this year’s Festival will be highlighted with video clips and brief presentations given by area dancers Ray Shaw, Tosha Tillman, Kitty Clark, and Quincy Northrup. An opportunity for questions and discussion will follow each presentation. Party-goers will have the opportunity to buy early bird discounted tickets to the Festival that evening, as well as buy raffle tickets for free tickets and a meal at Stone Soup Bistro. There is no charge to attend the Preview Party, but donations will be accepted.

“This preview party is part of our commitment to community engagement and providing ongoing education to the public about contemporary performance,” Executive Director Kitty Clark said. “The Board of Directors and I are vey excited to continue to help people uncover the mysteries of dance and to increase their joy in this art form.”

The Goose Route Dance Festival, featuring performances, master classes, discussions, and events for children, takes place July 16-26 at the War Memorial Building, 102 East German Street, Shepherdstown.

For more information about the Party or the Festival, go to www.gooseroute.org or call (304) 876-6751.