The Equus Projects, a company that partners professional dancers with horses and their riders, will perform three original works for dancers, horses and equestrians at the 2005 Ox Ridge Summer Dressage show, one of the most elegant and prestigious dressage shows in the nation. This three-day international competition, held August 19-21, will draw riders from all over the world to earn qualifying scores for the Olympic Games, the World Equestrian Games and the World Cup Finals, as well as for national rankings.

The final performance features The Equus Projects, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Equus Projects will present Tango for Gina Paolillo and equestrian, Bettina Drummond; an equine/dancer rendition of "A Chorus Line" for Blake Pearson, equestrian, Patricia Norcia, and her horse, Valiente; and a new group work for four dancers, one horse and one equestrian during the three-day event.

This is an exciting opportunity to see the work of The Equus Projects, enjoy a weekend of world-class equestrian competition and to benefit two very good causes--the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and the Connecticut Governor’s Horse Guard. The annual Ox Ridge Summer Dressage Show is the highlight of the competitive riding season in this area.

The Equus Project's masterpieces and the grand prix freestyle competition can be viewed Saturday night, August 20, from ringside tents while enjoying a gala catered dinner. Dinner tickets are available for $45. General admission to the grounds is $5. Contact [email protected] for more information.

The Equus Projects partners professional dancers with horses and their riders to create site-specific performance works for diverse audiences throughout the US. Founded by Choreographer, JoAnna Mendl Shaw in 1997, The Equus Projects has created original dance works for arts and equestrian presenters, as well as educational and training courses for dancers, equestrians and youth, in NYC, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Vermont and Massachusetts. For more information on The Equus Projects, visit www.dancingwithhorses.org.


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