The SHSU dance program has lived up to its reputation as one of the top 25 dance programs in the country. SHSU has once again been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Graduate student Jilissa Cotten’s choreography “Trancescape” was selected for presentation at the 2002 National College Dance Festival, which will be held May 13-15.SHSU broke tradition this year by going outside the South Central region to the Southeast Regional Festival, hosted by Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. Two student works were judged at the festival “Trancescape” by Cotton and “No Peace in this House,” choreographed by senior Melissa Perry.”Trancescape” was performed by Tabitha Anderson, Bethanie Gilliam, Leah Jordan, Lara Huff and Nichole Nicholson. Jennifer Cruz, LeTisha Dabney, Melissa Duggan and Perry performed “No Peace in this House”.Faculty member Jennifer Pontius reported that festival judges Donald Byrd, Maida Withers and Rochelle Zide-Booth were an excellent panel. She said the panel offered clear critiques of the strengths and weaknesses of the nearly 40 dances presented. Pontius said the judges were impressed with the choreography, the technical accomplishment, the directorial skills and the overall artistry of the dancers from SHSU.Both “Trancescape” and “No Peace in this House” were selected for last Saturday’s Regional Gala Concert. Of the 22 schools represented in the Southwest Region, only SHSU and Florida State University had two student works in the Gala Concert. Only four pieces selected for the Gala Concert advance to the National Festival. “Trancescape” was one of the dances selected for national recognition.Forty dances from SHSU have been judged at Regional Festivals since 1983. Of those, 29 have been selected for Regional Gala Festivals. SHSU has performed in eight of the 10 bi-annual National Festivals. This is the tenth time two works from SHSU have been in the Regional Gala Concert and the fifth time one of the works has been selected for presentation in Washington, D. C.”Everyone associated with dance at SHSU is proud of Jilissa Cotton, Melissa Perry and their dancers,” Dana Nicolay, dance program coordinator said. “We are proud of our record at the American College Dance Festival. No matter how many times you go, you’re only as good as your last effort.””Trancescape” and “No Peace in this House” can be seen along with “Velorio,” choreographed by internationally renowned guest artist Bill Evans, at “Dance Spectrum in Concert,” April 25-27 in the University Center Mainstage Theatre. Performances are at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 27. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 with senior citizen or SHSU I.D. For more information or reservations call 294-1875 or (396) 294-3988.