Dance inspirations at Hofstra

Dance Performance

Spring Dance Concert
Hofstra University Dance students and guest artists commemorate the university’s 75th anniversary at the annual spring dance concert, which presents a timeline of dance from the 1930s through present day. One of the featured performances is Into Sunlight, choreographed by Robin Becker, Associate Professor of Drama and Dance. The work is based on David Maraniss’ book “They Marched Into Sunlight,” a nonfiction account of two days in October 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, featuring Professor Becker’s professional dance company, Robin Becker Dance, as well as Hofstra dance students. The program also features a number of other performances including Cage Meets “Bojangles”, choreographed by Assistant Professor Anita Feldman, a tap dance, in honor of Hofstra’s 75th anniversary.
Thursday and Friday, April 14-15, 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 16, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors/students. Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644.

Outdoor Delights

‘Dog Days’
Old Westbury Gardens goes to the dogs this weekend, when it welcomes visitors and their four-legged companions for that annual (furry) rite of spring. It’s one of those rare opportunities for our beloved pets to get some exercise and enjoy a garden stroll, leashed, of course! Dogs and their human counterparts can make new friends as they wander about the acres of gardens, which are showing the first signs of spring. Also, check out the obedience tests and agility demonstrations, which are featured Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10, $8 seniors, $5, children 7-17. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.

Nature Walk
Explore Muttontown Preserve for the first “Signs of Spring” and discover displays of bright spring color throughout the fields and trails on the guided walk through some the Preserve’s 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds, and estate grounds. Look for the new season’s emerging colors, as well as “peepers” and some early migrating birds. View spice bush, snowdrops and cypress spurge, and learn about a variety of aromatic plants.
Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m.-noon. Enrollment is limited and registration is required. $5 fee. Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown La., East Norwich. (516) 571-8500.