Dance Department Newsletter
Fall 2004
- Cornish in the Community
- Faculty & Staff News
- Student News
- Summer Dance
- Alumni News
- Preparatory Dance News
Cornish Celebrates the Creative Legacy of José Limón
Master teacher and choreographer Gary Masters will conduct a two-week visiting artist residency in the Dance Department in January 2005. During his residency, he will teach master classes to the Dance Department students and stage excerpts from José Limón's masterwork A Choreographic Offering on Cornish Dance Theater. The dance will be performed on the Cornish Dance Theater Spring 2005 Concert. The residency will also include master classes for Seattle dancers and a lecture demonstration on Limón's creative legacy, open to the public free of charge. For further information on residency events, see the Department Calendar of Events.
José Limón (1908-1972) was one of the master choreographers who shaped American modern dance. Born in Mexico, he studied and performed in New York with Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman. In 1946, with Humphrey as his artistic director, Limón formed his own company. The Limón Dance Company continues to tour internationally, presenting the choreography of Limón and other artists.
Originally premiered in 1964 at the American Dance Festival, A Choreographic Offering was created as a tribute to Limón's mentor Doris Humphrey. It contains variations, paraphrases and motifs from fourteen Humphrey works. The Cornish Dance Theater production of A Choreographic Offering will present excerpts from the hour-long work.
Reconstructor Gary Masters joined the Limón Dance Company as a dancer in 1969. The originator of many roles in the Limón repertory, he later served as associate artistic director of the company. In 1994, he created the Limón West Dance Project, the company's West Coast training center and ensemble. He is a key reconstructor for the Limón Institute, and has staged Limón's choreography around the globe. A renowned choreographer himself, he has received choreographic fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council Silicon Valley. He currently is a member of the Dance faculty at San José State University and Co-Artistic Director of sjDANCEco. The Gary Masters/José Limón Visiting Artist Residency is made possible by support from the Bossak Heilbron Foundation.
Cornish College Participates in a "Living" Exhibition on the Life and Work of Trisha Brown
Choreographer Trisha Brown's innovations in dance are part of a postmodern aesthetic that sought to dismantle established boundaries between dance and non-dance movement, incorporating pedestrian gestures and postures into an increasingly eclectic modern dance movement vocabulary. A recent exhibition at the Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington celebrated the life and work of Trisha Brown and her collaborators in the visual and sound arts. The exhibition featured visual works originally constructed as sets, costumes, and video projections by artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Terry Winters, Nancy Graves, Donald Judd, and Fujiko Nakaya. Like Brown, these visual artists were engaged of a process of questioning and challenging the definitions of art, and the partnerships between Brown and her visual collaborators brought resonant results. Visitors to the exhibition learned about Brown's career of cross-disciplinary performance, viewing film projections that were part of Brown's early solo work Homemade (1966), papier mache costumes made by Brown for Dancing with the Duck's Head (1968), Fujiko Nakaya's reinterpretation of his fog set for Opal Loop/Cloud Installation #72503 (1980), movement-sensitive towers created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1989, and much more.
Students and alumni of the Cornish College and University of Washington Dance Departments played an integral role in this "living" exhibition through bi-weekly performances "Floor of the Forest," originally choreographed by Brown in 1970. "Floor of the Forest" is a seminal Brown work in which dancers perform the task of getting dressed-in clothing strung horizontally on a metal and rope structure about four feet off the ground. The piece is an apt expression of Brown's desire to create new meaning out of ordinary movement by dislocating it from its everyday context and presenting it from an unexpected perspective. Audience members could watch the piece from all four sides of the structure, and from a lookout point on the floor above the gallery. Cornish College and University of Washington students and alumni performed the piece in rotating casts from March through July 2004. In between performances, the structure stayed in location as a key sculptural element in the exhibition.
During spring 2004, Seattle residents had multiple opportunities to learn more about Trisha Brown's creative legacy through events which included: a lecture given by Deborah Wolf, Cornish College Professor of Dance at the Henry Art Gallery, presentations by Trisha Brown herself at Cornish College and the University of Washington, and Trisha Brown Dance Company performances at Meany Hall on the University of Washington campus.
Lessons on Risk-taking and Generosity: A Report "From the Studio to the Stage"
During the spring of 2003, the Cornish College Dance Department embarked on an exciting new project, in collaboration with dance faculty member and acclaimed choreographer Amii LeGendre. The project, titled "From the Studio to the Stage" sought to explore the creative and educational potentials possible in an apprenticeship learning model. The pinnacle of the project was the collaborative work made by LeGendre, members of the LeGendre Performance Group, and six Cornish College dance majors. The work was created in two intensive rehearsal sessions in May and August 2003, and performed at Velocity MainSpace Theater on the BLUESPACE (a nod to the staircase) concert in October 2003.
The results of this collaboration brought to light the benefits that both professional dancers and young dancers entering the professional field can gain through a pedagogical model based on mentoring and collaboration. The students involved in the project spoke about the value of working closely with mature dancers who served as role models and sources of inspiration for their dancing. One student explained that she was "inspired by the fact that I was in collaboration with people I admired so much. It was very helpful to see where I had similar strengths as well as the places that I would grow over the coming years. It helped me be inspired that I am not as far away from the professional world as I fear, and that there are many opportunities to help me continue to grow and succeed." The students who were graduating from Cornish College during the duration of the project also described the experience as an excellent transitional step that, as one dancer said, "helped me merge into this new place in my life."
The professional dancers also gained insights from their work with the student collaborators. One said that "The multi-leveled pool of experiences added richness to the group… I feel that I grew not only as a dancer, but as a person." Several members of the LeGendre Performance Group told us that their experience of acting as mentors gave them a sense of empowerment and self-worth, and helped them realize the value of their knowledge in dance. This was particularly striking for a Cornish College alumna who took part in the project, who said that it "gave me a sense of perspective on where I am in my life/career. I felt a sense of growth and accomplishment that I had not yet noticed in myself… I felt like one of the older people for the first time - and it felt good, calming, and self-assuring to wear the elder's shoes."
During the August intensive rehearsal period, Amii LeGendre asked each participant to lead a lab session involving the entire group in an experience or set of exercises. In addition to presenting a wide range of interesting material, this model succeeded in giving each person a sense of ownership of their lives as leaders and artists. LeGendre explained that this approach was part of "an important lesson I wanted to impart to them-YOU own the quality and authenticity of your artistic life. Bring real curiosity. Bring real commitment. Bring real questions. Bring generosity, share your expertise. The 'company' is only as rich as you make it."
Amii LeGendre and Kitty Daniels were invited to present this project as a national model for artist/college partnerships on the 2004 DanceUSA panel "Dancing in the REAL World: Preparing Young Artists for Life as Professionals," held in Pittsburgh, PA.
Terry Sparks Receives Cornish Teaching Excellence Award
Dance Associate Professor Terry Sparks was a 2004 recipient of the Cornish Teaching Excellence Award. Three awards are given each year to outstanding Cornish faculty who are selected by the students in their department. In addition to being honored at the college commencement ceremonies, recipients receive a monetary award.
The Dance students who nominated Terry Sparks for the Teaching Excellence Award recognized Terry's unique blend of superb instruction and wise life guidance. The student selection panel declared, "Terry sparkles among the faculty here at Cornish. She always asks for more from her students without any judgment on their downfalls, and her calm nature and warm heart make her easily approachable. Her intelligence brings a new angle to teaching. She seems to see right through you and gives advice/corrections tied to your dancing that can also be applied to your life and how to be a better person. Amongst a student body focused on modern dance, she has helped the masses enjoy ballet. As a teacher she is influential; as a person she is inspirational."
Terry expressed her gratitude at receiving this honor. "My primary motivation to teach comes from wanting to share my knowledge and experience with my students in ways that encourage their discovery of self. While I am honored to be publicly recognized for my efforts, the deepest reward for me is witnessing the growth that occurs in these students as they mature artistically and personally. I also feel fortunate to be teaching in an environment that continually challenges and inspires me to grow as an educator."
Provost Lois Harris acknowledged the recognition provided by the Teaching Excellence Award, stating "Students are experts on their own experiences in the classroom, and to be judged by them as exemplary is, I believe, the most valid affirmation for which a teacher might hope."
Bon Voyage, Michele Miller!
Adjunct faculty Michele Miller will be taking a leave from the Dance Department for the 2004-05 academic year to serve as Artist in Residence at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. The Hong Kong Academy is one of the primary dance education programs in Asia. Supported by the Chinese government, it offers college level education leading to a Bachelor's Degree in Dance.
Michele visited the Academy in February 2004, performing and teaching technique. The school was so impressed with her teaching that they invited her to be in residence for the entire 2004-05 year. Michele will teach Modern Technique, and may also teach contact improvisation and choreograph for the HKAPA students. She is excited by this opportunity to learn about another culture. "The dancers are technically exquisite at HKAPA. I hope to help them learn how to invest their own voices and find freedom within that technical structure. I also hope to interact with the faculty, sharing knowledge about dance and teaching methods. I know that this experience will give me a new perspective on my life in Seattle." We wish Michele well, and look forward to her return to Cornish College in 2005-06.
Faculty News
Amie Baca (Adjunct Faculty) opened a new studio, Pilates on 10th, in January 2004. She is currently attending the Brian Utting School of Massage.
Eric Chappelle (Dance Musician) composed and performed music for choreographer Pablo Cornejo's concert at Velocity Dance MainStage Theater in September 2003. He was the Sound Designer for the Omnium Gatherum and A Christmas Carol at ACT and for The O'Conner Girls at the Seattle Repertory Theater. He presented a workshop for dance teachers on working with dance musicians at the 2004 Bill Evans Summer Dance Intensive. In summer 2004, he accompanied classes at the following summer dance intensives: Dance Fremont's Contemporary Dance Intensive, Velocity Dance Studio's Strictly Seattle, The Creative Dance Center's Summer Dance Intensive for Teachers, and the Bill Evans Summer Dance Intensive at Centrum in Port Townsend, WA. He has been awarded a four-week residency in music composition at The Blue Mountain Center in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, which will take place during September 2004.
Kitty Daniels (Dance Department Chair) was on the faculty of the Boston Summer Dance Festival and Bill Evans Summer Dance Intensive in Port Townsend, WA; she also taught master classes at Ballet Northwest (Olympia, WA), Perpich Center for Arts Education (Minneapolis, MN) and Chicago Academy of the Arts. She was invited to present her work at several international conferences last year, including: "Creating and Sustaining Healthy Environments in Times of Stress" at National Association of Schools of Dance in St. Petersburg, Florida; master classes and a workshop on the application of dance science to ballet technique at the National Dance Education Organization conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico; a workshop on "Anatomically Sound Dance Technique" and a panel on "The Science and Fiction of the Dance Teacher's Job" at the Not Just Any Body and Soul Conference in The Hague, Holland; master classes at the "Somatics and Technique" workshop presented by the University of Utah Modern Dance Department; panelist on "National Strategies in Dance" at the Seattle meeting of Grantmakers in the Arts; and panelist on "Dancing in the REAL World: Preparing Young Artists for Life as Professionals" at the DanceUSA Roundtable in Pittsburgh, PA. She participated in the On the Boards steering committee that organized the first Seattle Dance Community Forum and facilitated the group discussion of the dance advocates and enthusiasts who attended the forum.
Meg Fox (Adjunct Faculty, Dance Technical Director) designed lights for TRY, a performance by the BetterBiscuitDance Company at Velocity MainSpace Theater.
Pat Hon (Professor) took a sabbatical from Cornish College during the Fall 2003 semester. During this time she taught technique and set one of her works on students at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, a college in Singapore.
David Jones' (Dance Musician) jazz big band compositions were performed in Seattle by the Jazz Police, the Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra, and the Ingraham High School Jazz Ensemble. Universities and high schools in Alaska, Washington, and Missouri also purchase his big band scores. His work "Winter Crows" was premiered by Jon Hamar and Dawn Clement on the Faculty Recital Series at Central Washington University. David was the recipient of an ASCAP PLUS grant this year.
Christine Juarez (Summer Dance Coordinator, Preparatory Adjunct Faculty) continues to serve as Artistic Director of Vashon Allied Arts, choreographing original works as well as restaging works for the company, including The Nutcracker and La Sylphide during the 2003-04 season. Through her award as a Master Artist of Residence for the state of Washington, Christine completed four outreach residencies in Seattle public schools during 2003-04 school year. Her residency work ranged from choreographing Cabaret to using movement to teach first and second graders about sea life and human anatomy. Christine also participated in a mentoring project through Seattle public schools which encourages teachers to bring movement into the classroom.
Peter Kyle (Adjunct Faculty) returned to teach at the Pacific Performance Project "Physical Approaches to Performance" workshop in July 2004, teaching performing artists from acting, dance, and music backgrounds to incorporate cross-disciplinary training into their approach to performance. He was also commissioned to create a new work for the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, with a premiere in August 2004. In fall 2004, he will be presenting new works on Dancenow/NYC at Joyce Soto in New York City, and on Seattle's bi-annual Against the Grain: Men in Dance festival at Velocity MainSpace Theater.
Amii LeGendre (Adjunct Faculty) presented a Bluespace: A Nod to the Staircase, the performance culmination of a collaboration between the Cornish College Dance Department and her company, LeGendre Performance Group. The full evening of new dance works included the premiere of "Pluto Water" with music by Beck Henderer Peña and Wayne Horvitz. She also choreographed and performed a new duet with Michele Miller and a site-specific piece called Almost Quarry at the Aftermath Gallery. She conducted guest artist residencies at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and Texas Women's University. Amii also collaborated with Theater faculty member Amy Wheeler, teaching movement-theater to members of the Theater Department's Sophomore Theater Ensemble. She teaches dance/theater to fifth graders at Des Moines Elementary School, Valley View Elementary, and the Bertschi School. She will be teaching Contact Improvisation and Modern Partnering in Lima, Peru in September 2004.
Syd Lindsley (former Dance Department Coordinator) performed in "de/face" by choreographer Amy O'Neal in the 2003 Strictly Seattle Summer Dance Festival Concert at Broadway Performance Hall. and as "Syd E. Boy" at the UW Drag Competition in February 2004. Her work "Bearing the Blame: Race, Gender, Reproduction and the Environment" was published by Anchor Books in The Fire This Time: Young Activists and the New Feminism in May 2004. She left Cornish in August 2004 (see article below).
Tonya Lockyer (Adjunct Faculty) received choreographic commissions from the Baltimore-based dancer Sandra Lacey, the Phoenix Dance Company of the University of Maryland, and Colby College in Maine. She choreographed and performed a music/dance/video work at Consolidated Works in collaboration with composer and inventor Ellen Fullman. She also performed with PFFT in Seattle, and with Sean Ryan and Cyrus Khambatta at the D.C. Improvisation Festival. She taught as an Artist in Residence at the University of Maryland in Fall 2003, and taught master classes at George Washington University in Washington, DC and at Colby College. During the summer of 2004, she taught at the June Taylor School Summer Intensive in Portland, Oregon and the Strictly Seattle Summer Intensive, Seattle Festival of Alternative Dance and Improvisation, and the Cornish Summer Dance Program in Seattle. Her article on "The Improvisation Performance Lab," co-written with Stephanie Skura, appeared in the spring edition of Contact Quarterly. Last year she facilitated and helped to organize the Seattle Dance Forum series at On the Boards.
Wade Madsen (Professor) choreographed/directed and performed in Don's Party at On the Boards in Fall 2003, and performed with Rockhopper Productions and ARC Dance Company. In December 2003, Wade performed his cabaret show Phoenicia and Vic in the Holiday Lounge for the 14th year, at Seattle's Rebar. He created and choreographed a new work for Dance Gallery in Bellingham, Washington for dancers ranging from 33 to 65 years of age, and choreographed three new solos on seniors for the Cornish Dance B.F.A. concerts. Wade continues to teach modern technique at Velocity Dance Center, and returned to teach at the Boulder Jazz Dance Summer Workshop for the 20th year.
Michele Miller (Adjunct Faculty) performed with the LeGendre Performance Group and the d9 Dance Collective. During February 2004, she taught for two weeks in a guest artist residency in Hong Kong, at the Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts, the Hong Kong Dance Company, the City Contemporary Dance Company, and at DanceArt. She will return to the Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts as Artist in residence for the 2004-05 year (see article, page 5). In April 2004, she was a guest instructor in advanced modern technique at the University of Oregon in Eugene. During the summer of 2004, she taught advanced modern at Velocity Dance Studio's Strictly Seattle Summer Dance Intensive and Martial Arts for Dancers, as well as a new course in the "Business of Dance" at the Bates College Summer Dance Festival. As co-director of Velocity Dance Center, she received a Genius Award from Seattle's newspaper The Stranger.
Becci Parsons (Adjunct Faculty) published "Conscious Competence," in the In Touch Feldenkrais Guild of North America Newsletter this year. She taught master classes at the "Somatics Applied to Dancing" workshop at the University of Utah, at Velocity Dance Studio's Strictly Seattle Summer Dance Intensive and at Cherokee Ballet Theatre and Chattanooga Dance. She was the Chair of the 2004 National Feldenkrais Conference Committee and serves as a member of the International Feldenkrais Federation's (IFF) Archive Working Group, actively cataloguing, translating and preserving audio, video, and print materials donated by the Feldenkrais Institute of Tel Aviv. She was a participant in a research project at the Laban Center in London on the Feldenkrais Method® in dance curricula.
Shelagh Regan (Preparatory Dance Program Director) taught master classes at the June Taylor School of Dance in Portland, OR.
Angela Rinaldi (Dance Musician) composed original music for a new adaptation of Cinderella, and played the role of the Fairy Godmother, for a production performed at MOHAI in November 2003. She also composed original music for a new adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, and played the role of Malevolence, the Evil Sorceress for a production performed at the Pud Theater in Everett, WA, and was the Music Director for West Side Story at Bellevue High School. During the summer of 2004, she taught at musical theater camps at Spectrum Dance Theater, Evergreen Elementary School, and the Seattle Center Academy, and accompanied classes at the Whitman College Summer Dance Lab in Walla Walla, WA.
Terry Sparks (Associate Professor) was a guest faculty member and consultant for Dance Fremont.
Gérard Théorêt (Associate Professor) represented Cornish College on a recruitment tour in California and at the National High School Dance Festival in Philadelphia. He choreographed for the University of Washington Ballet Company and the Aria Dance Company in spring 2004. During the summer of 2004, he taught at the Northwest Professional Dance Program in Portland, Oregon and for the ARC Summer Dance program. He is working as the Producer and a choreographer for the Festival of Men in Dance, with performances scheduled for October 2004 in Seattle.
Deborah Wolf (Professor) choreographed a duet for seniors Kate Walker and Linzee Kezer presented on the 2004 Dance BFA Concerts. She also set a new work on the Eastside Moving Company. She taught intermediate/advanced modern classes at Velocity, as well as classes in the Cornish College Summer Dance Program during the summer of 2004. She gave a lecture at the Henry Art Gallery in connection with the Trisha Brown: Dance and Art in Dialogue 1961-2001 exhibition. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the d9 Dance Collective.
Farewell from Syd Lindsley, Greetings from Katy McDermott
As of August 2004, former Department Coordinator Syd Lindsley has left Cornish to pursue new opportunities, and will no longer be serving at Cornish. Before leaving, Syd expressed her gratitude to the Cornish community with these words:
"I feel so privileged to have been a part of the Cornish dance department for the last three years. I have loved working with all of you in the Cornish College community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and in the Seattle dance community at large. I am especially grateful to the students and faculty in the dance department, whose passion and brilliance have kept me excited about my work on a daily basis. On many days I found myself lingering in the hallway outside one of the studios, when one of the students caught my eye at the barre or in a combination and I was entirely captured by an unexpected moment of beauty, bravery, or honesty in his or her dancing. Moreover, as a member of the Cornish College and Seattle dance communities, I have been surrounded by people who care deeply about each other as dancers, artists, and human beings. Working in this enormously supportive atmosphere has fed my life as well; while working at Cornish I have developed tremendously as a dancer, an administrator, and as a part-time student at the University of Washington, as well as in my personal life."
Syd has left Cornish to continue on this path of personal and professional development, returning to school full-time to study the history of gender and sexuality in the M.A. program in history at the University of Washington. She received the Top Scholar Fellowship from the UW History Department for the 2004-05 year. She plans to pursue a PhD. in history following her completion of the M.A. degree, and ultimately, a career in teaching at the university level.
Katy McDermott joined the Cornish College community as the new Dance Department Coordinator in August 2004. Katy has a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University, and worked as the Stage Manager for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company from 2000 through 2003. She has also been the Stage Manager for Performance Space 122, Carlota Santana Spanish Dance Company, Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company, The Toyota Comedy Festival, Emerging Artist Theatre Company, and numerous regional theaters throughout the south. Katy moved to Seattle during the summer of 2004, and is very excited about her new position with the Dance Department. Please welcome Katy next time you are in the Dance Office!
Student News
Jonathon Betchtel performed with Spectrum Dance Theater on their April 2004 tour in Texas. Vania Bynum performed in Black Nativity in December, and choreographed a new work for Jerboa Dance, presented by Lynkd, at the Chamber Theater February 14th and 15th, 2004. She also performed as a soloist with Bellevue's East Side Moving Company in May 2004. She performed in Eric Clothier's (alumni 2003) "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. She also performed her own choreography in solo at St. Terese' Chatholic Church in spring 2004. Bianca Cabrera performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace in October 2003. She toured with Lingo Dance Theater to Nashville, Minneapolis, Kent, and Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival, ending the tour with a performance of "Speak to Me" at Kirkland Performance Center in April 2004. Bianca performed "Everlastingness" at Spin the Bottle in March 2004. Randi Courtmanch worked as an intern for Crispin Spaeth Dance Company. She also taught master classes to Fremont Danceworks, the youth dance company of Dance Fremont. Ezra Dickinson performed in Eric Clothier's "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. Gia Enriquez teaches at New City Ballet in Burien, WA. Natascha Greenwalt is a substitute teacher for ballet classes at Snohomish Dance Studio and Woodinville Dance Academy. Rachel Hamilton teaches dance at Maple Valley School of Ballet. Courtney Harris choreographed for the Cornish Preparatory Dance Program's Spring 2004 Junior Dance Company Concert, presented at Broadway Performance Hall in May. She taught ballet for the Preparatory Department as well as for the ARC summer program. Kirsten Jorgensen performed in Eric Clothier's "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. Jamie Karlovich teaches ballet, tap, and jazz at Studio I in Woodinville, Allegro in Mukilteo, and Act One in Mountlake Terrace. Linzee Kezer teaches at the Greenlake Community Center. She performed in Eric Clothier's "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. She also taught master classes to Fremont Danceworks, the youth dance company of Dance Fremont. Stephanie Koltiska performed in Ami LeGendre's Bluespace in October 2003 at Velocity MainSpace Theater. Carl Massey taught dance and performed on Whidbey Island this year. Océane McCord performed with Spectrum Dance Theater on their tour in Texas in April 2004. Dawn Meyer teaches ballet, jazz, and hip-hop at Camille's Dance Edge in Edmonds, Washington. Danielle Palmer teaches ballet, tap, and jazz at Dance Time in Kirkland. She performed in Eric Clothier's "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. She choreographed for a children's camp called Summer Fun in 2004. 
Paige Phillips showed her choreography on Under Construction at Velocity MainSpace Theater in June 2004. Christine Sandstrom is an assistant teacher for pre-ballet and creative movement classes at Ewajo Dance Center. Angela Smith performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace in October 2003 at Velocity MainSpace Theater. She taught master classes to Fremont Danceworks, the youth dance company of Dance Fremont. She works in technical production at Velocity Dance Center and teaches ballet classes and private classes at Hip Kids Dance Academy in Lynnwood, Washington. Graham Stockdale received a $2,000 scholarship from American Harlequin in a random drawing in December 2003. Kadee Stotler taught a creative movement class to the students at Seattle TOPS Middle School. She showed her choreographic work "between ourselves within the walls" on Under Construction at Velocity MainSpace Theater in March 2004. Performers included: Sarah Adamski, Lily Kridelbaugh, Brenna Pierson, Patrick Pulkrabek, Tracy Schreiber, Brittney Stevens, Allison Talboy, and Christopher Tucker. Kadee also taught master classes to Fremont Danceworks, the youth dance company of Dance Fremont. Christopher Tucker performed in Dance Fremont's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" in December 2003. Amy Weaver choreographed for Emerald City Swing's Emerald City Show 2004, which was performed in June 2004 at Seattle Center's Center House. Kate Walker performed in Eric Clothier's "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003. She taught master classes to Fremont Danceworks, the youth dance company of Dance Fremont. Sean Watson performed with Westlake Dance Center in January 2004. He teaches pointe and ballet at Camille's Dance Edge in Edmonds, Washington. Tukwila Zimmerman performed in Eric Clothier's (alumni 2003) piece "Sed libera nos a malo" on Rockhopper's On the Side production at Freehold Theater in October 2003.
Summer Dance News
The 2004 Summer Dance Program featured an expanded morning program, including Pre-Ballet for children ages 4-5, Introductory Ballet for teens and adults, and three levels of daily ballet classes for intermediate to advanced teenage and adult dancers. The afternoon classes were also expanded, and included modern, Pilates, hip-hop, Spanish dance, and three levels of Pointe technique. The Junior Workshop (for dancers ages 8 to 13) included ballet, modern, compostion and Jazz. The use of the PONCHO theater for several of Junior Workshop classes allowed the dance faculty to emphasize performance skills, bringing a new element to the Junior Dancers' day.
This summer, the program culminated in two days of showings by each class, in which family, friends, and the general public were invited to see a short selection of movement from each class. This informal showing marked the beginning of an increased emphasis on performance in the Summer Dance Program as a whole. The 2005 Summer Dance Program will include repertory classes with guest artists (open to dancers by audition), and a final performance at the end of the session. See the 2004-05 Department Events Calendar for 2005 Summer Program dates.
Alumni News
Alethea Adsitt (1997) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Seattle before moving to NYC where she presented "Round Trip Ticket" at the Works-in-Progress Showcase at Dance Space Center/Evolving Arts Theater. She attended a creative residency at The Yard on Martha's Vineyard, where she danced for other choreographers and also showed her own work. In the next year, she will co-produce shows at Dance Space Center and One Arm Red. Alethea is a certified GyrotonicTM Apprentice Trainer and works as a stage manager for a Brooklyn theater. Shauna Akins (2000) teaches dance at the Washington Academy of Performing Arts. Anne Altrichter (2002) co-founded Northwest Dance Syndrome company this year with fellow alumni Teresa Cowan-Kuist and Maya Poloney, presenting their first full-length evening concert at the Velocity MainSpace Theater. She also performed in Under Construction at Velocity. She participated in performances of Trisha Brown's Floor of the Forest at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle. Kelly Anderson (2002) performed and acts as Business Manager with the Maureen Whiting Company at Seattle University in 2004. Valerie Bauman (1994) teaches yoga in southern California. Amie Baca (1997)-see Faculty & Staff News. Paola Beatriz Montes (1999) performed as a guest artist with Pennsylvania's Youth Ballet production of The Nutcracker (Arabian solo variation), and with "The Firecrackers" dance troupe. She continues to teach at GyrotonicsTM on the Hudson, and the Center for Movement in New York City and will pursue Pilates teacher certification at the Kane School of Core Integration. She has been working with flamenco artist Dionisia Garcia. Corinna Befort (1999) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Kingdom at On the Boards, with Sheri Cohen in Wait Humm: magnify the senses at the Chamber Theater, at the Velocity Fall 2003 Kick-off Showcase, in 12 Minutes Max at On the Boards, in Under Construction at Velocity Dance Studio, and in a work by Tonya Lockyer at Spin the Bottle. In spring 2004, she participated in a two-week residency at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Minneapolis, and produced her own concert at Velocity Mainspace Theater. She created a 2004 revised version of her guidebook, The Dancer's Guide to Europe which was distributed the 2004 Cornish graduating class. Mandy Brightman (2000) teaches dance to all ages and levels at the Moving Company Dance Center in Keene, New Hampshire, where she works as a choreographer, dancer, and producer. She is also the director of Northern Lights Dance Theatre, which performed in Keene and New York City. Carl Brittain will enroll in the Dance MFA program at the University of Washington in September 2004. Sarah Bush Ellis (1994) works as a massage practitioner and performed in work by Amie Baca for Rockhopper Dance Company's On the Side concert. Jennifer Butler (1998) completed an MFA degree at the University of Hawaii/Manoa. Diana Cardiff (1991) left the d9 Dance Collective after performing works by David Dorfman and Lisa Race in their October 2003 show. She continues to dance with Wade Madsen & Dancers and the Pat Graney Co. With the Graney company she premiered the "Vivian Girls" at the Moore Theatre and will tour the production in 2004-05. Diana also performed in Amie Baca's "Queen Spirit" for Rockhopper's On the Side. Steve Casteel (2001) graduated from the University of Arizona in 2004 with a Master of Fine Arts in Theater Arts with a Dance emphasis, having produced a graduate concert featuring three of his choreographic works. While in school, he served as teaching assistant for non-majors ballet and modern, biomechanics, and dance history. He presented his paper: "The Influence of Hip-hop Culture on Popular and Theatrical Dance." at the 2003 National Dance Education Organization conference. Taylor Cathcart (2003) has been auditioning in New York City for dance companies, Broadway shows, film, TV, and commercials. She is free-lancing with several commercial agencies, and was recently signed by an agency for theater, film and TV. Eric Clothier (2003) performed with the UW Chamber Dance Company in works by Paul Taylor, Anna Sokolow, and Alwin Nikolais. He collaborated with composer Joseph Weisnewski on "Sed Libera nos a Malo"-the first movement of which was performed as part of Rockhopper's 5th annual On the Side concert. His commissioned solo for Rachel Hamilton was performed in the 2004 Cornish College BFA concert. He choreographed for actors in Macha Monkey's (www.machamonkey.org) theatrical production Game Girl, which was part of the 2003 Seattle International Fringe Festival, and Melancholy Play. He choreographed for Bellevue Community College's East Side Moving Company and performed a new solo on their 2004 annual concert. Allison Cockrill (1990) performed in Velocity Dance Studio's Fall Kick-Off Showcase. Liz A. Cortez (2000) performed in work by Amie Baca for Rockhopper Dance Company's On the Side concert and in Corrie Befort's concert in 2004. Cathryn Costello (1997) performs with Andrew Marcus in New York City. Teresa Cowan-Kuist (2003) co-founded the company Northwest Dance Syndrome this year with fellow alumni Anne Altrichter and Teresa Cowan-Kuist, presenting their first full-length evening concert at the Velocity MainSpace Theater and teaching dance residencies at several public high schools in the Seattle area. She also performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace in October 2003 at Velocity MainSpace Theater and participated in performances of Trisha Brown's Floor of the Forest at the Henry Art Gallery. Michele de la Vega Burgess (1987) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Kingdom at On the Boards. Kristina Dillard (1998) received her MFA in 2000 from Sarah Lawrence College. She is currently in her second year of directing the City of Mountlake Terrace Parks and Recreation Program's Dance Department. She will produce a Big Red Dance Co. performance in September 2004. Beth Dilley (2002) performed with The Three Yells (choreographer Veronica Lee (1998)) company in a premiere at On the Boards' 2004 Northwest New Works Festival. She also performed on Velocity's Under Construction. Last year, she completed a year of performing with Transitions Dance Company at the Laban Centre in London. She teaches at City of Mountlake Terrace Parks and Recreation Program Dance Department, and presented a piece in the Monterey Dance Week in May 2004. Christy Dobson (McNeil) (2000) has worked for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines since 2002, performing on the Brilliance of the Seas and the Explorer of the Seas on cruises in Europe and the Caribbean. Jacqueline Englehart (1995) teaches at the South West Washington Dance Center in Chehalis, Centralia Community College, and Wendy's School of Dance in Bothell. John Escalante (2003) performed in choreography by Deborah Wolf in 12 Minutes Max at On the Boards in 2003. He now works for Carnival Cruise Lines, recently finishing 6 months in the Bahamas. His next contract will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Holley Farmer (1994) continues as principal dancer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. Monica Farnam (2003) dances with Lineage Dance Company in southern California. Rachel Feinberg (1999) teaches yoga full-time in Brooklyn, NY. Corrie Franz Cowart (1995) teaches at Western Oregon University, the University of Oregon and Lane Community College. She recently set a new work on the Lane Community College Dance Company. Corrie dances for Alito Alessi, a contact and dance ability choreographer. Ashley A. Friend (2001) is in her second year of graduate school in dance and technology at Ohio State University. Her piece "Weaving," was sent to the American College Dance Festival, and was voted by the Columbus Alive as "Best of 2003." Jeffrey Froome (2001) performed with LeGendre Performance Group in boys/girls at Velocity MainSpace Theater. Laura Gilbert (2003) dances in NY where she is currently understudying and doing administrative work for David Dorfman Dance and Wendy Osserman Dance Company, and managing at Dance Space Center. She presented her choreography at Dance Space Center and is collaborating with dance film maker, Jason Akira Somma. Kevin Grgurevic (2000) directs his own dance company, iPerformance, based in Palm Springs, California. Michael Griesedieck (1995) graduated with a law degree from Seattle University. He performed with Deborah Wolf in Under Construction at Velocity and 12 Minutes Max at On the Boards. Mark Haines (1993) produced a concert at Riverside Community College, where he teaches. The concert included his own choreography as well as work by guests Wade Madsen and Douglas Nielsen. Teo Hannum (1988) assisted Sarah Padilla in Alexander Technique classes taught at Cornish College. She completed certification training in Alexander Technique and has a practice in the Seattle area. Emma Hassett (2001) appeared in "Light in the Piazza" at Intiman Theater and is currently exploring the arts in New Zealand and Australia. Miriam Hess (2002) dances in New York, performing with Teri and Oliver Steele at Dance Space and with Anna Luckey of KickStand Dance in Brooklyn. Miriam debuted her own choreography in 2004 at Dance Space. Shawn Hove (1997) is enrolled in the Dance MFA Program at Ohio State University. Erin Hopkins (2001) is studying at the Cunningham studio in NY. Christina Jackson (2000) has moved to Los Angeles where she hopes to continue her photography business. Before moving, she shot photos of the Cornish Dance Department classes for college publications. Alianna Jaqua (1999) performed with LeGendre Performance Group in boys/girls and in Bluespace at Velocity MainSpace Theater, and performed in The Bridge Project held at Velocity. Lasara Jarvis (2003) was a guest artist with the Northwest Dance Syndrome, choreographing and performing on their April 2004 concert at Velocity MainSpace Theater. She also performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace at Velocity MainSpace Theater. Jessica Jobaris (1997) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Kingdom at On the Boards. She also performed in 12 Minutes Max and with the Maureen Whiting Company at Seattle University. She performed her own work and with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance at On the Board's 2004 Northwest New Works Festival. 
Stephanie Johnson (1996) is leaving her position as dance educator at FAIR School in Minneapolis to pursue a career in Movement Therapy. She will be attending Naropa University in the Somatic Psychology program. Following her Naropa education, she hopes to return to the public school setting to work with students who are cognitively and emotionally challenged. She produced This Much, a farewell concert at the FAIR School, performed by Steph Johnson Green Dance. Jess Klein (2001) performed with LeGendre Performance Group in boys/girls and in Bluespace at Velocity MainSpace Theater. She also performed with the Crispin Spaeth Dance Group in Double Down and Supply at Velocity MainSpace Theater. Saiko Kobayashi (1993) continues to dance with Wade Madsen & Dancers and the Pat Graney Co. With the Graney company she premiered the "Vivian Girls" at the Moore Theatre in 2004 and will tour the production in 2004 - 2005. She does administrative work for the Pat Graney Company. Cesa Kobe-Smith (2002) is pursuing theater/ film work in New York City; she had a screen test for a film in 2004. Leslie Larch (1996) opened Island Pilates Center on Whidbey Island in 2004. She also teaches ballet and modern classes at a local studio. Veronica Lee (1998) directs The Three Yells, which had performances on the 2004 Northwest New Works Festival at On the Boards. Rebecca Levy (2001) dances with the nationally touring company, Lineage Dance Company, as an adjunct member of Benita Bike's DanceArt Co and in choreography by Cornish alumni Erica Rebollar and Eryn Schon. She is the Dance Department Director of South Pasadena High School. Melissa Lipko (2001) teaches at Pilates on 10th in Seattle. She showcased her work in progress at the Under Construction show at Velocity Dance Center. Kristin Lucas (1999) co-directs Polaris Dance Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Ben Maestas (2003) is a member of Seattle's Spectrum Dance Theater. Tatiana Margitic (2002) performs with Verve Mwendo, a modern dance company in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Before leaving New York City, she danced with the Wendy Osserman Dance Company, and Urban Wash Dance. In 2003 she performed "Traces," a dance-architecture collaboration with Sondra Loring, in Halifax. Alex Martin (1996) choreographed The Winners for her company BetterBiscuitDance. The work was performed outdoors in several locations throughout Seattle in 2003. BetterBiscuitDance was invited by the ODC Theater in San Francisco to perform a work from the company's repertory titled "twosome". The company presented TRY at Velocity MainSpace Theater and at Rockhopper Dance Company's On the Side concert. Alex also choreographed a processional theater show at the Seattle Center House Stage. Trez McBean (2003) presented a collaboration with Tonya Lockyer on the 12 Minutes Max concert at On the Boards in 2003. She also performed with Crispin Spaeth Dance Group in Mixer2 Solos, in a work by Tonya Lockyer at Spin the Bottle and in Corrie Befort's (1999) concert at Velocity. Katie McCaughan (2002) is performing for independent artists Karl Frost and Jessica Jobaris (1997). She performed for Deborah Wolf in Under Construction and 12 Min. Max Main Stage in 2003. She teaches modern dance and is the Administrative Assistant at Velocity Dance Studio. She also teaches "Tools for improvised performance" in high schools in Chicago and LA. Julie McMurray/Martinez (1987) continues to teach at her studio Dance Academy in Woodinville, WA. Shannon McNamee (2002) performed with BetterBiscuitDance in: The Winners at various outdoor locations throughout Seattle, in Seasonal Inventory Liquidation for Rockhopper Dance Company's On the Side concert, and in TRY at Velocity MainSpace Theater. She also performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace and in Trisha Brown's "Floor of the Forest" at the Henry Art Gallery. Mollie Melugin Slaton (1999) dances in New York City, where she performs with Underfoot Dance Co. and other independent choreographers throughout the year. She continues to pursue anatomical studies with Irene Dowd. She also teaches Pilates, and was recently certified to teach GyrotonicTM. Cynthia Meyer (2003) has been performing with the Carnival and Holland America Cruise Lines, on cruises to Mexico and Alaska. Erin Mitchell (1993) received her MFA in Dance from California State University/Long Beach in December 2003. Ku'ulei Miura Fahling (1999) teaches yoga and works as a freelance dancer and choreographer in Berlin, Germany. This year she performed her own choreography through her collaborative company, Fahling Donn Dance. Teresa Moriarty (1980) taught Skinner Releasing Technique at Cornish College during the spring 2004 semester. Tara Mosier (2000) toured with Lineage Dance Company during the summer of
2003. She also dances with Benita Bike's DanceArt Company in Los Angeles. Marcie Munnerlyn joined the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in January 2004. Jessica Nochlin-Gargari (2001) lives in Mexico City, her home town, where she teaches a pre-primary ballet class to 3-5 year olds. She co-choreographed for a dance festival organized by Terpsichore Dance Studio, and performed at a yoga seminar in NY. Amy O'Neal (2000) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Kingdom at On the Boards. She taught and choreographed for Velocity Dance Center's 2003 Strictly Seattle Summer Intensive. She choreographed and performed in first Thursday at the Seattle Art Museum, and for 12 Minutes Max. She curated a 12 Minutes Max concert at On the Boards. Locust, her collaborative company with musician Zeke Keeble, performed at Velocity's Fall Kick-Off Showcase at Velocity, and produced an evening length concert called Deface at the Little Theater. She is the lead vocalist in the band Marrow, which performed at Tommy's, and opened for Locust at the Little Theater. She performed with Crispin Spaeth Dance Group in Mixer 2 Solos. She and Zeke Keeble collaborated for the Composer/Choreographer concert at Velocity in 2004. She teaches modern dance and funk at Velocity Dance Center. Kate Pagliasotti (1987) practices Acupuncture in the Hudson Valley. Fae Phalen Stout (2001) is an NFL cheerleader for the Seattle Seahawks. She appeared in "Light in the Piazza" at the Intiman Theater and was a principal actor in a non-smoking commercial and a pilot for a reality television show. Sara Pickett (1990) works as an Occupational Therapist in Oregon and does tap dance on the side. Maya Poloney (2003) co-founded the company Northwest Dance Syndrome this year with fellow alumni Anne Altrichter and Teresa Cowan-Kuist, presenting their first full-length evening concert at the Velocity MainSpace Theater and teaching dance residencies at several public high schools in the Seattle area. Maya also taught and choreographed for the Tacoma School of the Arts. She performed in Amii LeGendre's Bluespace in 2003 at Velocity MainSpace Theater, and participated in performances of Trisha Brown's Floor of the Forest at the Henry Art Gallery. Katherine Pycha (1997) was appointed as interim director of Southwest Washington Dance Center in 2003. She assisted alumnus Dean Speer in producing The Nutcracker; she is also teaching in Lakewood and Olympia, WA. Lois Rathvon staged Doris Humphrey's "Air for the G String" and "Water Study" for the University of Washington Chamber Dance Company's 2004 concert. Erica Rebollar (2000) presented two works, Hunter/Hunted and Hope Code on the Summerfest Concert at ODC Theater in San Francisco, and co-choreographed an evening performance with Eryn Schon called Flesh in 2003. Melissa Rempel (Hulbert) (2000) continues to work at Cornish in the Preparatory Dance Program and the Admissions Office. Kelly Reynolds (Hartje) (1999) was certified as a Gyrokinesis instructor in May of 2003 and teaches in Seattle. Tesee Rodgers (2003) teaches at Studio One in Woodinville and in Mountlake Terrace, Ballard, and Federal Way. She will perform with Big Red Dance Company in September 2004. Emma Rule (1998) lives in Melbourne, Australia where she teaches dance part-time at a local high school, and co-produced a concert in 2003. Wendy A. Samuels (1993) is pursuing a degree in kinesiology at California State University/ Los Angeles. Ellie Sandstrom (2000) performed with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance in Kingdom at On the Boards. She performed with Locust in choreography by Amy O'Neal at the Seattle Art Museum and in Deface at the Little Theater. She teaches modern dance at Velocity Dance Center. Eryn Schon (2001) produced her own concert at the Highways Theater in Los Angeles in 2003. Emily Siddoway (2000) will be moving to Wales in 2004 to complete a year long internship with Dawns Dyfed, a community dance organization. Leslie Simpson (2003) performed in work by graduating senior Océane McCord on the 2004 Cornish College Dance BFA Concert. Rebecca Smedley (2000) administers, teaches and choreographs for The Bridge Theatre Training company, a professional acting school in London. She teaches ballet, jazz and hip hop to children at the Stage School, and is currently learning tap and teaching it to small children. She dances with a RNB/hip hop singing group called VIP. She is in the second year of her Bachelor of Science Degree in Acupuncture. Last summer she produced a professional play, called "Fatale" at the Bridewell Theatre. Dean Speer (1978) was a guest teacher at Ballet Arts in the Tri-Cities area, and attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet's 2003 Summer Teacher's Seminar. He also wrote several articles for CriticalDance.com. Michele Steinwald (2002) works for On the Boards, where she coordinates the 12 Minutes Max concerts and the Northwest New Works Festival. She continues to perform with Maureen Whiting. Noelle Stiles (1999) performed with Monster Squad at On the Board's 2004 Northwest New Works Festival. Crystal Stroud (2003) traveled to Brazil with Enertia Dance Company, where they performed at the Danc and the Child International Conference (DaCI). She also perfomed in Bluespace with LeGendre Performance Group in 2003. She now lives in San Diego where she is an outreach assistant for hip hop classes taught through Evoke Dance Theore and studies capoeira with Capoeira Resistancia. she is rehearsing with Sarah Moses for Lower Left Studio's peroduction Zero 2 One. Alia Swersky (1998) performed with LeGendre Performance Group in boys/girls at Velocity MainSpace Theater and with Crispin Spaeth Dance Group in Mixer2 Solos. She curated Velocity DanceStudio's Under Construction canocert, presented in the Velocity MainSpace Theater. She danced with PHFFFT Dance Theater in Half & Half at Velocity and at ArtsW3est in 2004. She runs the dance program at University Preparatory School. Shane Szabo (1995) opened a new Pilates studio in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Gérard Théorêt (1994) - see Faculty & Staff News. Katrina Thompson (1882) is a member of the Trisha Brown Dance Company. She performed with the company in Seattle in May 2004. Kristin Torok (Carpenter) (1990) dances with Dance Gallery in Bellingham, Washington. She directs a combined Pilates/Gyrotonic studio. Allison Van Dyck (2000) dances with Mary Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell Performance. In collaboration with video/sound artist Luke Allen, she has shown work this year at On the Boards' Northwest New Works Festival, Bumbershoot, 12 Minutes Max and at the Seattle Art Museum. They also self-produced a show titled ECHO, at Consolidated Works in spring 2003. Her work was shown on the C concert at On the Board 2004. She is a certified trainer of GyrotonicTM. Jackie VanPatten Wild (1985) works as performer and choreographer for Reach...a Movement Collective in Kansas City. Emily Zak (1998) is studying for her dissertation in aesthetics and movement in the public space at Goldsmiths University in London. She also helped to choreograph a student work at the Laban Center. Jessica Zarins (2002) is pursuing Feldenkrais certification.
Preparatory Dance News
The 2003-04 year included many exciting developments in Preparatory Dance. Both the fall 2003 and spring 2004 Junior Dance Company performances were marked successes. The Spring Concert, held at Broadway Performance Hall, featured choreography by Courtney Harris, Pat Hon, and Sharon Tyers and an excerpt from La Sylphide staged by Christine Juarez. The fall concert featured choreography by Marie Chong, Christine Juarez and Shelagh Regan and excerpts from The Nutcracker.
Ballet I through IV students performed in a lecture-demonstration at the Lowell Elementary School, located just blocks away from Kerry Hall. The April 2004 event featured character work that is part of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and was organized by Prep Dance instructor Colleen Dishy and Dance Department Principal Dance Musician D.J. Gommels. Other special events during the 2003-04 year included master classes with David Dorfman and members of the Ballet Argentino and Trisha Brown dance companies.
With the collaboration of several male dancers in the Cornish College dance program, the Preparatory Dance department was able to offer a Ballet Partnering class for the first time this year. This collaboration gave the female dancers in the Preparatory Dance Program a valuable opportunity to learn partnering skills in the classical ballet tradition. In another exciting development for male dancers in the Preparatory Dance Program, students in the boys class got their first opportunity to perform on stage, dancing in the "Mother Ginger" scene of the December 2004 Nutcracker performance.
Preparatory dance students participated in a variety of summer dance programs in 2004. In addition to dancing in Cornish's own Summer Dance Program and at other local studios, preparatory dance students attended summer intensives nationwide, including Alonzo King's Lines Dance Company (San Franciso), Interlochen Arts Academy (Michigan), Perry Mansfield (Colorado), Burklyn Ballet (Vermont) and Rock School (Pennsylvania). The six seniors graduating from the Preparatory Dance Department this year will all be continuing their study of dance, at institutions including the Juilliard School, Texas Christian University, Chapman University, Western Washington University, and others.
This fall, the Preparatory Dance Department will continue to add to its curriculum with the addition of a Pilates mat class. The class will be taught by Courtney Harris, a certified Pilates trainer and recent Cornish College graduate. This course will be offered weekly and open to drop-ins from the Cornish Preparatory Dance Program as well as to dancers in the community. Another new development for Preparatory Dance is the creation of a library of dance books, magazines, and videos that is now housed in the Preparatory Dance office. The materials are available through the generous donation of former Preparatory Dance director Gwen Barker, and will be an invaluable resource for students in the Preparatory Dance Program to increase their knowledge of the field of dance.
Written and edited by Kitty Daniels and Syd Lindsley. Photos by Chris Bennion, Christina Jackson, Jack Vartoogian, and Adam L. Weintraub