As a result of the population growth that often comes with new roads, State College and Centre County could become Pennsylvania's third largest metropolitan area by 2020.
Van Kuren embraces change and hopes the project will help to educate and to provide community understanding about expansion issues.
The idea came to her when she was doing a dance residency in Penn's Valley.
"Things seemed to be changing quickly with development. We thought these were universal issues, whether you live in Penn's Valley or in D.C. At that time there was a lot of publicity about Interstate 99, which will change our environment and property values," Van Kuren said.
Bert Kisner, assistant district engineer of design for Penn Dot's District 2-0 office, points out that not everyone is in favor of the new expansion.
"There are some who don't want the growth," Kisner said.
Realizing that there is a debate about the topic and that taking on issues of the community "might bring in people who wouldn't usually be interested in dance" incited Van Kuren to apply for funding for the project.
Although she has danced professionally in New York City, Van Kuren is particularly noted for reaching young dancers.
Besides headlining the project, Van Kuren also plans to perform with the company.
Other project contributors will include renowned choreographers Ben Munisteri of New York, Claire Porter of New
Jersey as well as local multi-media artist Tony Coray of State College.
The project will showcase performances by the PDT's core faculty members: Nicole McClam, Paula McArthur, Anna Albritton and Karen Verzella.
Albritton, a Florida native, is positive about the ability of performance to give people new perspectives. "It is a great opportunity for everyone involved. I think there is something good that can come from this," Albritton said.
The company recognizes the scope of change that will occur both locally and in other communities in shaping the environment of the future.
This awareness will be translated into the repertoire of dances designed and choreographed as part of the project.
Van Kuren expects that the audience will be comfortable with the performances. She said there will be times when "performance will bleed into attendance but it won't be confrontational."
A site-specific piece, titled "We are this Land: A Community's Response to Development," is tentatively scheduled for June.
"It will probably take place at a farm in Penn's Valley," said Van Kuren, who is putting finishing touches on the piece with fellow choreographer Coray.
The dance will explore spirituality and the audience's connection to the natural environment. It will be a collage of film with live dance, combining the aesthetics of landscape and scenery.
To find out about the thought process and what goes into making each dance piece, open rehearsals will be available to the public free of charge.
As in the past, master dance classes may be held with faculty and staff under the Department of Theatre Arts.
Anyone interested in either of these opportunities should contact the PDT and speak with Managing Director Holly Preston.
The PDT's premiere performance for the project is tentatively scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 7 in the Zoller Gallery.
An additional performance will also take place on April 20 at a Lock Haven University theatre.
The PDT has definite plans to take the project on the road to Gettysburg College and other localities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, extending the range of the project.
The company will visit each venue to hold a community dialogue session, after which it will tailor the work to each individual presenter's home community.
"We are doing a ton of research," said Preston, who believes a lot of good things will come from Interstate 99.
Both Preston and Van Kuren encourage the public to become actively involved by volunteering and contributing their time and talents.
The PDT invites film, communications, theatre and marketing majors to contact the Center if they are interested in giving input, posting fliers or helping in any way. "We need students' help getting the word out," Van Kuren said.
For student and senior ticket rates, contact the PDT at (814) 237-2188.
