Dance Students and Faculty Shine at ACDA Mid-Atlantic South Conference
Shenandoah Conservatory dance students and faculty recently returned from attending the American College Dance Association’s (ACDA) Mid-Atlantic South Conference held at Sweet Briar College from March 10 through March 12. Three faculty members and 21 students attended.
ACDA’s primary focus is to support and promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. The organization’s sponsorship of regional conferences and the national dance festival provides the venue for students and faculty to engage in three days of performances, workshops, panels and masterclasses 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. The conferences are the primary means for college and university dance programs to perform outside their own academic setting and to gain exposure to the diversity of college dance throughout the United States. Many conferences culminate with the presentation of pieces selected for their exemplary artistic quality.
Amy Cutler ’23 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance) and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance Tiffanie Carson, M.F.A., presented their pieces for adjudication. Additionally, Ella McCauley ’24 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance) presented her group composition duet for the Informal Concert. All pieces were performed beautifully.
One of the adjudicators commented on Cutler’s piece as a “strong piece with exemplary floor work and well-played transitions.” The adjudicators commented on Carson’s work as a really “powerful ensemble work” with “drippingly beautiful solos.” Shenandoah dancers were praised for their “outstanding technical skill,” “fierce” performance artistry and “exceptional ensemble unity,” receiving many compliments from the faculty and students of other attending programs as well as the adjudicators, who included internationally acclaimed artists Steve Rooks (former principal of the Martha Graham Company), JoAnna Mendl Shaw (artistic director of the Equus Projects) and interdisciplinary artist, writer and teacher Charli Brissey.
“It was a wonderful three days of artistic explorations, sharing of work and witnessing work from other colleges and universities,” said Carson.
Carson shared her expertise in contemporary and commercial dance styles, offering three well-attended and greatly enjoyed masterclasses. Coordinator for Theatre & Dance Recruitment and Associate Professor of Dance Erica Helm, M.F.A., offered ballet and regency era waltz classes. Dance Accompanist, Music Coordinator for Dance Division and Assistant Professor of Dance Karen Follett ’87, ’92, M.M., accompanied classes in ballet, modern dance and contemporary choreographic technique.
“Each dancer who attended brought a level of professionalism to every class and were all so supportive of every school in all of the concerts,” continued Carson. “Our students made us proud!”
Pictured from left to right: (front row) Maria Pomares, Kate Mark, Kiki Ducusin, Lia Carey, Amil Giunti, Zariah Henthorn, Kylie Johnson, Ella Newman, Alexa Boyles, Skylar Matos; (back row) Tiffanie Carson (with Stella!), Karen Follett, Erica Helm, Evan Mucciarone, Rachel Tomnay, Lainey Griffin, Amy Cutler, Ian Sabatine, Emma Potter, Katie Bumbalo, Olivia Kouletsis, Ella McCauley, Hannah Campbell. Also attending, but not pictured, was Gigi Anderson.
