Dance at Sam Houston State University

The Department of Dance at Sam Houston State University delivers a dynamic, challenging experience that integrates creativity, performance, and scholarly pursuits designed to prepare each student for a 21st century career in dance. Seven full-time faculty and two part-time faculty bring the expertise of their professional performing careers and choreographic portfolios to guide the next generation of dance artists.

Upcoming Event

Department of Dance Auditions

Students who wish to be accepted into the Department of Dance must be admitted to the University as well as to the Department through an audition. Click below to see audition dates and register for an upcoming audition.

Photo by Lynn Lane, Pas de Six by Jennifer Pontius (based on the restaging by Anton Dolin in 1945), Dancer: Hannah Woolridge

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Masters of Dance

Fall 2019 Masters of Dance Concert

The Sam Houston State University MFA Candidates in Dance are excited to present an eclectic evening of dance focused on human connection and community. Six graduate students from the Department of Dance will present their choreographic work on November 7-8, 2019 at 8 PM nightly. This concert series is organized through the Masters of Dance Graduate Student Organization whose mission is to create platforms for choreographers to explore, discuss, and present their artistic visions.

Details:
November 7-8, 2019, at 8 PM
Gaertner Performing Arts Center Dance Theater
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Fall 2019 Masters of Dance Concert

November 7-8, 2019 @ 8 PM
Gaertner Performing Arts Center Dance Theater

The Sam Houston State University MFA Candidates in Dance are excited to present an eclectic evening of dance focused on human connection and community. This concert series is organized through the Masters of Dance Graduate Student Organization whose mission is to create platforms for choreographers to explore, discuss, and present their artistic visions.

Highlights from the performance include:

Restoration of Us, presented by Keeley Dunnam, is a duet representing a young committed couple that chooses to work through conflict that arises, instead of separating. I give a special thank you to my true love, Dustin Holley, for standing by my side, and for inspiring me to create meaningful art.

On Another Note! examines the jubilation and togetherness that dance can offer. Choreographer Amy Fitzsimmons seeks to explore the lighter side of choreography. This piece acts as a taste breaker amongst the weighty topics that suffocate the world today.

Nothing but going together, choreographed by Shohei Iwahama, portrays the frontal viewpoint of two people who are obligated yet devoted to being accountable for each other.

A-7713,presented by Travis Lake (a Dizzy Feet Foundation National Scholarship recipient), is about Adolf Hitler and the effects of his voice. In a ceremonial surrender, Lake blindfolds himself allowing Hitler’s voice to govern the movement of his body. With profound gratitude to the University of Utah School of Dance, The Dizzy Feet Foundation, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for supporting the realization of this work. Tonight, I honor those whom we have lost.

Afterward is a work created by Jorrell Lawyer-Jefferson that seeks to further develop and refine his artistic voice within concert dance. This work is centered around community and the gamut of dynamics that a group can hold.

Unfortunate choreographed by Meri-Ashton Van Winkle, explores the ways in which humans experience life. Both negative and positive, every human being has a different experience even when at the same event. How does one fully determine what is true, when every person brings something different to the illustration of the event? If the story is consistent then the words must be true and factual.

DETAILS

Masters of Dance

James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center, Dance Theater

815 17^thStreet Huntsville, TX

November 7-8, 2019 @ 8pm

Tickets: $12 advance general admission, $15 at the door, student RUSH available week of the show (one free ticket) for current SHSU students with valid SHSU student ID.

Purchase online at https://shsu.universitytickets.com or call 936-294-2339

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N3XUS

Fall 2019 Senior Studio Dance Concert

Sam Houston State University is proud to present N3XUS, an eclectic collection of choreographic works by thirteen BFA Dance majors. Senior Studio features the choreographic capstone works of the senior class. This presentation is one of the requirements of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. Purchase online at https://shsu.universitytickets.com or call 936-294-2339.

Details:

November 14-16, 2019 at 8 PM
Gaertner Performing Arts Center Dance Theater
Programming Varies Nightly
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Fall 2019 Senior Studio Dance Concert

November 14-16, 2019 @ 8 PM
Program Varies Nightly

Sam Houston State University is proud to present N3XUS, an eclectic collection of choreographic works by 13 members of thesenior class. From November 14 to 16, 2019, at 8pm, the public will have the opportunity to experience an invigorating accumulation of dance in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center Dance Theater. As the program order varies nightly, each evening is sure to satisfy every pallet of imagination.

Nexus, meaning a series of connections linking two or more ideas, perfectly sums up this show. The diverse group of choreographers have each created a piece with themes and executions that could not be more different from the next. From social commentary, personal storytelling, rich cultural representation, and uplifting messages, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy packed inside this hearty spread of dance.

Highlights from the performance include:

Crepehanger by Ben Edwards abstracts the negative consequences of a life lived by excessive analysis and explores the tumultuous journey from a harmonious community to a fragmented and dispassionate group of individuals.

Opposingly, Shoulders to Lean On by Hannah Reynolds shows how compassion and sacrifice can rebuild and strengthen a society torn apart by selfishness and negativity. Reynolds is excited to uplift the audience through a loving narrative blending faith and dance.

Reality Is…by Addy Kuehne sheds light on the horrors of sex trafficking. Kuehne drew inspiration from the stories of survivors and hopes that her piece will bring awareness to the disturbing truth that every day, people lose their freedom to the evils of human trafficking.

Victoria Barrera’s Tactcomments on the flaws of modern society and how generations are becoming increasingly desensitized. The work explores the overwhelming role that social media and impersonal communication play in our world. The whirring speed of the music paired with the pacified sentiment creates a dynamic between the dancers that is communicated by intricate partner and group work.

Flaming Desire, a work by Staci Wilburn is inspired by the drive, passion, and intuitive strength of women. Wilburn uses the image of fire to portray the energy and confidence she experiences as a dancer. The piece draws parallels between her personal empowered ferocity and the tenacious nature that resides in every woman.

DETAILS

N3XUS
James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center, Dance Theater
815 17^thStreet Huntsville, TX
November 14-16, 2019 @ 8pm
Tickets: $12 advance general admission, $15 at the door, student RUSH available week of the show (one free ticket) for current SHSU students with valid SHSU student ID.

Purchase online at https://shsu.universitytickets.com or call 936-294-2339

Program order varies nightly—AB - Nov 14; CA - Nov 15; Nov 15 - BC

Program A
Victoria Barrera
Hannah Reynolds
Staci Wilburn
Vianni Contreras

Program B
Katherine Liberti
Mary Elizabeth Wigley
Addison Kuehne
Tyler Archie

Program C
Benjamin Edwards
Lori Guerin
Alexandria Archer
Gabrielle Cloudy
Caroline Senter

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Department News

Student Spotlight

Undergrad Adam Rech returns from Study Abroad in Isreal

Welcome home to Adam Rech after his five month study abroad adventure with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Program. Learn more here about how SHSU's study abroad program supported Adam in his studies. Today@Sam article

New to SHSU Dance?

Info for Incoming Dance Majors

If you are new to SHSU Dance please download this Info Blast created just for you so that you know what to expect. Still have questions? Contact the Dance Office anytime during the summer to get answers regarding registration, auditions, and more!

Info Blast for New Dance Majors

Faculty Spotlight

Andy and Dionne Noble's dance company NobleMotion Dance was just name Houston's Best Dance Company of 2019! Read the Houston Press spotlight on the company and its ten years of accomplishments here!

Department of Dance
815 17th Street, Suite 150, Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 294-3342 or (936) 294-1875 | E-mail: shsudance@shsu.edu

CAM CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Enjoy the many ways you can unleash your creativity and find inspiration while living among other student artist, communicators, and performers in CAM Creative Community. With modern amenities including access to stages, screens, and studios, Creative Community is open exclusively to College of Arts & Media majors!

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Department of Dance

Dance at Sam Houston State University

Upcoming Event

Department of Dance Auditions

LEARN MORE

Masters of Dance

Fall 2019 Masters of Dance Concert

N3XUS