Shenandoah Dance Students Work With Rising Stars

Several of the nation’s most exciting choreographers came to Shenandoah’s main campus to work directly with Shenandoah Conservatory’s Dance Ensemble to craft the performances in the Jan. 31-Feb. 2 concert, “Reflections: Invited Choreographers Showcase.”  

This year’s guest artists included: 

• Ashanté Greene ’14 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance), creative director for Dance Institute of Washington, who studied under Debbie Allen and was a longtime member of Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Professional Residency program at the Kennedy Center. Her piece is titled “Soulistic.” 
• Stephen Shynes, an interdisciplinary New York City-based artist with roots in Washington, D.C. and credits from Bill T. Jones, Joffrey Ballet School, Apollo Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group and more, who presented “Flowers for the Living.” 
• Eric Parra, a first-generation Colombian-American who is currently a performing artist with Limón Dance Company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers and the Metropolitan Opera House, with “There Is a Time.”

Additionally, the concert features an encore performance of acclaimed choreographer Mike Esperanza’s “Constellation,” first presented at Shenandoah in November 2024 as part of the senior showcase. 

Interacting with students is the prime reason these rising stars of the dance world brought their works to Shenandoah in a concert made possible by the Lewis Endowed Fund for Visiting Dance Artists. Parra, for example, who restaged José Limón’s 1956 masterpiece “There Is a Time” for the concert, said he was also excited to teach the students not only the work but Limón’s style. 

He and Shynes took a few moments to talk about their experiences with Shenandoah’s students: 

To learn more about the Dance Division, including guest artists and performances, visit su.edu/dance.