Welcome to the Spring 2023 semester! The University of Arizona’s School of Dance is thriving and shifting into amazing horizons of excellence! I am thrilled to have my first semester as director (fall 2022) under my belt. It was a semester of wonder, inspiration, intense challenge, and growth for me personally, and for the School specifically. The passion and commitment to dance that convinced me to accept this position was in full effect. I particularly enjoyed observing the students in classes and on the stage. I am proud to announce that we had a successful performance season with ticket sales climbing toward pre-pandemic numbers. Let’s keep ’em coming! The impeccable excellence of the faculty was highlighted by their engagement in the studio and off campus. There were several notable achievements in faculty research that included grants and commissions. I continue to serve as a mentor to the faculty and work closely with the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Andrew Schulz, to strengthen our faculty success. I am proud to announce that two of our Visiting Assistant Professors, Thang Dao and Gianni Howell, have accepted my invitation to extend their positions into 2024!
I am committed to supporting the development and career success of each student in our School. The best way to do that, I believe, is to connect our students to the Dance industry at-large as effectively as possible. To achieve this, the School of Dance curated a healthy roster of guest artists and scholars who came to campus and shared their unforgettable expertise with our students. Highlights included Amy Young, who restaged Paul Taylor’s “Company B” (initiated and led by Tamara Dyke-Compton), and Juel D. Lane’s world premiere of “In A Flow.”
I have also implemented new programming and diverse initiatives that will help audiences connect to the School through discourse and up-close engagement. Two of these programs are “Meet the Director” and “An Evening with the Creative Class.” Both events are forums where audiences can learn about the art of dance and those who practice it in ways that extend beyond performance. Be sure to join us for these exciting events.
I look forward to the coming semester where students will learn and perform Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain” and Bill T. Jones’ “D-man in the Waters.” Be sure to check our website for more information about events and performances.
A special thank you goes out to our donors, Dance Partners, and Dance Advisory Board for helping make our School a great place to “Dance our Learning!”
—Duane Cyrus