The University of SC Dance Program announces a change in the guest dancer line- up for the 7th Annual Ballet Stars of New York Gala Performance, taking place March 23 at the Koger Center for the Arts.

NYC Principal Dancer Jennie Somogyi will be unable to attend the performance because of an injury. Somogyi suffered a tear in the Achilles’ tendon in her right foot several weeks ago and has been placed on performance rest for the remainder of the season.

NYC Ballet Soloist Ana Sophia Scheller will perform in the concert in Jennie’s place.

Scheller will join NYC Ballet Principal Dancers Maria Kowroski, Ashley Bouder, Jared Angle, Amar Ramasar, and Columbia’s own Sara Mearns for the performance of classic works from the George Balanchine canon.

The 7th Annual Ballet Stars of New York performance begins at 7 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the Koger Center for the Arts. Tickets to the event are priced from $15-$35 and are available through Capitol Tickets at 777- 5112. Charge by phone at 251- 2222.

A gala fundraiser supporting scholarships for the USC Dance Program will also be held that evening. Tickets for the fundraiser are $ 125 and include a pre-performance cocktail hour, premium seating for the concert, and dancing “under the stars” on the Koger Center green after the performance. Fundraiser tickets are available by calling the USC Dance Program main office at 777-1001.

For more information on Ballet Stars of New York or the University of SC Dance Program, contact Kevin Bush by phone at 777- 9353 or by email at bushk@mailbox.sc.edu.