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Home › News & Events › News › Spring 2023: Highlighting Faculty Achievements

Spring 2023: Highlighting Faculty Achievements

May 23, 2023
faculty Tammy dyke Compton doing a lateral T in modern class with students surrounding her

The faculty members of the University of Arizona School of Dance have continued to shine in their respective fields, garnering accolades and making significant contributions to the world of dance and arts. From prestigious grants to groundbreaking exhibitions and performances, these dedicated individuals have left an indelible mark on the dance community. Let’s take a closer look at their achievements.

Tamara Dyke-Compton, Duane Cyrus, and Gianni Howell have been awarded a seed grant from Vertically Integrated Projects, highlighting their dedication to research and instruction. The grant aims to support long-term, scalable projects that align faculty efforts. Their project, titled “Careers in Dance,” focuses on the development of sustainable career practices for dance artists. With intensive professional development and presentations throughout the academic year, students will benefit from valuable insights and guidance.

Duane Cyrus, a true visionary, presented a captivating curation of visual art and dance works at Artspace in Raleigh, NC April 19-June 25, 2023. The exhibition, titled “Maroon, Maroon” uses portraiture in photography, film, and performance to explore Black male identity and challenge societal norms—particularly in the realm of contemporary dance. By defying conventions and redefining narratives with their bodies, Black men have the opportunity to carve out new paths. The exhibition showcases works by Cyrus and several talented international artists.

Marquez Johnson, an emerging talent, had the privilege of attending the National Dance Education Organization national conference for the first time. This invaluable experience allowed Johnson to gain insights into coping with burnout in teaching and fostering creativity. Furthermore, the conference provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from previous years, fostering communication and potential collaborations.

Thang Dao, a multi-faceted artist, has been making waves in the dance world. His creative endeavors have spanned various projects and institutions. Dao has created new works for prestigious organizations such as Oklahoma University, Big Muddy Dance Company, and Phoenix Ballet Golden Swan Gala. Recognized for his exceptional talent, he has been awarded the Gross Family Foundation Grant for new music composition. Additionally, his commission with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago further solidifies his reputation as an artist of immense skill and vision. Dao’s selection as one of the four artists from the College of Fine Arts (CFA) to conduct research at SAM (Science, Art, and Mind) further demonstrates his dedication to pushing the boundaries of dance and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Hayley Meier, an accomplished faculty member, embarked on a journey to restage Frank Chaves’ iconic work, “Eva,” at American Midwest Ballet in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This breathtaking 22-minute ensemble piece draws inspiration from the mesmerizing performances of singer-songwriter Eva Cassidy. Meier’s restaging pays homage to Cassidy’s luscious interpretations of standards, jazz, blues, folk, and gospel, creating a powerful fusion of music and dance.

In addition to her work with American Midwest Ballet, Meier was selected to present at the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology’s 17th Biennial Symposium. This prestigious conference

The faculty members of the University of Arizona School of Dance have achieved remarkable success in the Spring Semester. Through grants, exhibitions, performances, and conferences, they have demonstrated their dedication to pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and advancing the field of dance. Their contributions and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to both students and the wider dance community.

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All photos by Ed Flores featuring UA Dance Ensemble members unless otherwise noted.

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