UMW’s Theater & Dance Department was represented by faculty member Roxann Rowley and four UMW students at the 2015 American College Dance Association’s Conference, held March 11-14 at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. The festival provides the opportunity for faculty and students to participate in workshops, classes, performances and lectures all geared to compliment dance and arts education.
“The national dance festival provides the venue for students and faculty to engage in three days of performances, workshops, panels, and master classes taught by instructors from around the region and country. The conferences also provide the unique opportunity for students and faculty to have their dance works adjudicated by a panel of nationally recognized dance professionals in an open and constructive forum.”
Rowley taught/presented three dance classes, two modern technique and a contact improvisation class. She also presented artistic work that represented UMW’s ever growing dance culture. Her choreography “Blink,” was adjudicated and received feedback from a panel of prestigious artists. Along with presenting work, she was able to participate in classes and workshops given throughout the conference, as well as meet and connect with other faculty within the field.
The University of Mary Washington has a growing dance culture on campus, with the number of students that participate in the dance clubs and activities on campus growing in attendance each year. By attending The American College Dance Festival, Rowley represented the UMW dance culture and development. Participation in the conference is great exposure for UMW and also helps to enrich the diverse culture surrounding the art form on campus.
Attendance to The American College Dance Association’s conference was largely due to the generous support from University of Mary Washington’s Friends of Dance Alumni Association and The University of Mary Washington Faculty Development Supplemental Grant.