Lovers of dance will enjoy the opportunity to see performances by a dozen local companies appearing as part of the Dance Works 2014 Festival being held at Musselman High School. Three invited guest artists will also be appearing in the show, which begins at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Mar. 22.

Performers include dancers from Dance Dimensions of Hedgesville, Fragrant Offering Dance Co., Inwood Dance Co. and Inwood Performing Arts, Jefferson High’s Charisma Dance Ensemble, Neshema Dance of Hagerstown, New Hopewell Center for the Performing Arts, Rhythm N Motion and their Turning Pointe Dance Co., the Parks Dept. Turning Pointe Centre for Dance, and Washington High’s Synergy Dance Ensemble.

Enriching the dance experience will be performances by guest artists JoshuaLegg/DanceProjects, KittyClarkMoves, and Tiffanie Carson of Christopher K. Morgan and Artists. A piece by rising Chicago choreographer Eddy Ocampo brings a unique contemporary style to round out the program.

The gala performance is part of a two-day celebration of dance that begins Friday with the first of a series of master classes. The Dance Works planning team is bringing instructors from regional professional companies to give young dancers ages 10 – 18 years the chance to experience varied styles and techniques. Thirteen sessions range from classical and pointe through contemporary, modern and jazz to techniques in partnering. A panel discussion will help young students who plan to continue to pursue a life in dance beyond high school.

The gala performance is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased online through www.ticketriver.com/event/10347-dance-works-festival-2014.

The Dance Works activities were planned by a panel of dance directors, and are produced by the Berkeley Arts Council. Support from the MBC Parks and Recreation Department helped make the event possible. For more information about the Berkeley Arts Council visit www.berkeleyartswv.org or email berkeleyartswv@gmail.com.