On April 5, the University of Arizona Traveling Dance Ensemble performed at New York City’s iconic Joyce Theatre as part of the Martha Graham Dance Company’s University Partners Showcase—a centerpiece event in the ongoing Martha Graham at 100 celebration.
The ensemble presented Prelude to Action, an excerpt from Graham’s groundbreaking 1936 work Chronicle. Choreographed and costumed by Martha Graham with music by Wallingford Riegger, the piece powerfully reflects on the emotional toll of war and the urgent call to resist oppression. The original premiered at the Guild Theatre during a time of rising global tension, and its message remains strikingly relevant today.
This performance was staged by Mariya Dashkina Maddux, with lighting adapted by Becky Nussbaum from the design by Steven L. Shelley. Rehearsals were led by Tamara Dyke-Compton, with support from Alex Demitriades, Kevan Sullivan, and Madelyn Hofer.
Participation in this landmark event highlights the purpose of the Traveling Dance Ensemble—to serve as a launchpad for aspiring professionals by providing real-world performance experience on prestigious stages across the country. Students in the ensemble are selected not only for their technical excellence, but for their artistic readiness, professionalism, and capacity to represent the School of Dance on a national scale.
This performance at The Joyce further reinforces the University of Arizona’s commitment to bridging education and professional opportunity, preparing the next generation of artists through rigorous training and extraordinary experiences.
