CLARKSBURG — Allegro Dance Company is set to take the main stage at the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival at 11:45 a.m. Sept. 3 to perform authentic Italian dances that showcase the traditions and heritage of Italy.
Founded and directed by Italian-American Anna Pishner Harsh, Allegro Dance Company has become a fixture at cultural festivals, events and universities across the United States.
As part of its 30th Anniversary Legacy tour, Allegro will present a special performance that features alumni returning to the stage to perform various repertoire from different years. This showcase will feature an array of tarantellas, saltarellos and waltzes, complemented by jazz numbers.
In addition to its performances, Allegro has also made contributions to preserving Italian dance traditions. It has produced a dance documentary, “La Danza — Bridging Time Through Dance,” which aims to preserve these dances for future generations.
Pishner Harsh, the company’s founder, has also authored two books, “La Danza — Conflict, Passion, and Healing” and “The Italian Dance Quest,” which delve into her experiences studying and performing Italian dances and traditions.
Allegro’s dedication to upholding Italian heritage has been recognized in various publications, including Fra Noi, Dance Spirit Magazine and Italian America.
Allegro Dance Company also has an upcoming history exhibit at the Clarksburg West Virginia History Museum. The exhibit will showcase the history of the company through the years, highlighting its accomplishments and milestones.
Harsh will deliver a presentation, accompanied by a dance demonstration at 5 p.m. Aug. 24 at 445 West Main Street, Clarksburg. This is free to the public.
The 30th Anniversary Legacy performance is also free to the public. You can find out more at
allegrodancecompany.net.
