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Home › Alumni Stories › Cole Vernon

Cole Vernon

Dance Artist at Bruce Wood Dance
Alumni, BFA, 2013

What I've Been Up To

Since graduating in 2013, I have performed with several companies including DanceWorks Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Ballet Hispanico, Visceral Dance Chicago, and now Bruce Wood Dance in Dallas, Texas. I have taught internationally, worked with many companies in various capacities, and been so fortunate to have continued to expand my dance artistry as well as family!

After extending my Summer apprenticeship with RNDC into a full season working alongside many talented people (including Hayley Meier!), I committed to Chicago as home base. Taking every opportunity to integrate myself into the dance ecosystem of Chicago - from backup gigs to choreography for bachelorette parties, unpaid processes to multiple jobs within a day - I worked to become a patron and pillar of its community. I continue to grow my network with thoughtfulness of communication to my existing friends and in leadership opportunities, whether as instructor or choreographer.

When RNDC folded, my eyes were opened to the reality of the industry. I found that the more I could diversify my skill set, the more opportunities I had to subsidize the real world costs of being an adult in the arts. As the assistant choreographer to Stephanie Martinez, I began to develop a wider understanding for the scope of dance as an art form. With so many facets attached to dance beyond performing, I was able to keep myself busy while recognizing the value of my efforts.

I'm thrilled to have found a space that is respectful, motivational, and challenging at Bruce Wood Dance. I'm lucky to work with such talented, thoughtful leadership as well as fellow dance artists.

How UA Dance inspired and/or impacted me as an individual

The University of Arizona School of Dance propelled me into a life of professionalism; equipped with the tools to be a productive and critical thinking problem solver in any situation, I am able to operate with confidence and valuable contributions. UA Dance’s focus on versatility and strong work ethic, while providing a positive working space, set the stage for the kind of environments I look for and hope to cultivate in any setting.

Given the freedom to develop in various techniques, I was more than prepared to step into the working arena and take on any challenge. I will forever be grateful to UA Dance for pushing me beyond self-discovery and empowering me to aspire for greatness.

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On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021, UA Dance remembers the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march led by Dr. King in March 1965. We are proud to have taken part in the 50th anniversary commemoration that took place in March 2015. Professor Melissa Lowe received an invitation from Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley and under her coordination, faculty member Barbea Williams choreographed a piece and traveled with now School of Dance alumni, Kennedy Thomas and Kevyn Butler to Alabama where they performed on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in a nationally televised ceremony. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, was among the featured speakers. Thomas and Butler also performed in educational programming designed for youth and the three participated in lectures and discussions.

Of the experience, Lowe said, “This is one of my high points in all of my years of teaching. When we can send a dancer to an event that is of national importance, it not only provides great visibility and prestige for us, but it is a great opportunity for our dancers.”

Photo left to right: UA Dance Ensemble members Kevyn Butler and Kennedy Thomas, Bernice King, UA Dance faculty member Barbea Williams at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery March in Alabama (2015)
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19 hours ago

On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021, UA Dance remembers the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march led by Dr. King in March 1965. We are proud to have taken part in the 50th anniversary commemoration that took place in March 2015. Professor Melissa Lowe received an invitation from Alabama Gov. Robert J. Bentley and under her coordination, faculty member Barbea Williams choreographed a piece and traveled with now School of Dance alumni, Kennedy Thomas and Kevyn Butler to Alabama where they performed on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in a nationally televised ceremony. Bernice King, Dr. King’s daughter, was among the featured speakers. Thomas and Butler also performed in educational programming designed for youth and the three participated in lectures and discussions.

Of the experience, Lowe said, “This is one of my high points in all of my years of teaching. When we can send a dancer to an event that is of national importance, it not only provides great visibility and prestige for us, but it is a great opportunity for our dancers.”

Photo left to right: UA Dance Ensemble members Kevyn Butler and Kennedy Thomas, Bernice King, UA Dance faculty member Barbea Williams at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery March in Alabama (2015)
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Cheers to our graduating dance majors!
We are so proud of you. 💙 ❤️

BFA
Elise Cricchio,
Katie McCluskey, &
Ben Ferguson, Outstanding Senior!

MFA
Emigdio Arredondo Martínez

Celebrate their big achievement by visiting: graduation.cfa.arizona.edu
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1 month ago

Cheers to our graduating dance majors! 
We are so proud of you. 💙 ❤️

BFA
Elise Cricchio,
Katie McCluskey, &
Ben Ferguson, Outstanding Senior!

MFA
Emigdio Arredondo Martínez

Celebrate their big achievement by visiting: https://graduation.cfa.arizona.eduImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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How exciting. Congrats

i love you all!!💙💙❤️❤️

Congratulations!💙❤️

CONGrats!🎉

Well done! Congratulations!

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Now Showing!
UA Dance Digital Debut: Dec. 15-20 & Jan. 5-10
Online/On-Demand
Free Admission
To register and watch: watch.dance.arizona.edu

Join UA Dance for a virtual performance of works produced during the Fall 2020 semester that capture and juxtapose the isolation and togetherness of our current collective experience. The program features a new work by Hayley Meier, a re-staging of Elizabeth George-Fesch's “Woven” (2016), a new poppin' take on a holiday classic by Marquez Johnson, and an excerpt from Paul Taylor's “Cloven Kingdom” (1976). Plus, view an improvisation collaboration featuring the entire freshman class!

Photo by Ed Flores
... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

Now Showing! 
UA Dance Digital Debut: Dec. 15-20 & Jan. 5-10
Online/On-Demand
Free Admission
To register and watch: watch.dance.arizona.edu

Join UA Dance for a virtual performance of works produced during the Fall 2020 semester that capture and juxtapose the isolation and togetherness of our current collective experience. The program features a new work by Hayley Meier, a re-staging of Elizabeth George-Feschs “Woven” (2016), a new poppin take on a holiday classic by Marquez Johnson, and an excerpt from Paul Taylors “Cloven Kingdom” (1976). Plus, view an improvisation collaboration featuring the entire freshman class!

Photo by Ed Flores
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Thank you UA Dance!!!

Happy last day of classes! Already looking forward to 2021 back in the studio!

Photo: Erina Ueda
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1 month ago

Happy last day of classes! Already looking forward to 2021 back in the studio! 

Photo: Erina Ueda
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Such a gorgeous space!

Beautiful, Erina💜

Beautiful!

>> Pointes from Professors <<
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Tamara Dyke-Compton, is the co-director of dance at Perry Mansfield Performing Arts Camp, has been on faculty for Dance Masters of America, Domaine Forget in Montreal, and The Dance Project in Toronto. She has performed principal roles in Twyla Tharp’s “Movin’ Out,” as well as the national Broadway tour of “Fame.”

Tammy tells us how she ensures she is providing equal attention to both online and in-person students simultaneously:

“I always like to check in with my students—when we first log onto Zoom and with my in-person dancers—with a simple ‘Good morning, how is everyone?’ We usually start every class with a mindfulness pause and set our intention for the class. This allows us all to be present, in the moment, and connect as a class even if it is virtually.”
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2 months ago

>> Pointes from Professors
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I had the opportunity to watch Camryn in your class last year . You are such a gift to U of AZ...

Bella would love to take class with you again!

Mom and dad did something right You should be proud What a beauty. Inside and out

Christopher loves your classes! 🥰🤗👍

Congratulations to LILY CONG, who was the 2019/2020 Ralphie Spirit Award winner!

One way we celebrate our UArizona Dance values is the Ralphie Spirit Award, a recognition named in memory of dance major Ralph Romero. This peer selected award recognizes a dancer in our program who exemplifies these five qualities:
OPTIMISM of the “glass is always full” variety;
KINDNESS that manifests itself in daily acts of generosity;
ASPIRATION that is undaunted and filled with the lust for life;
A SENSE OF SELF that is unique and unapologetic; and
AN ATTITUDE of the noble variety

Former Dance Collective club president, Ally Hauke, wrote “Lily is a beautiful example of everything this award is. Her kindness spreads throughout the entire program….She has been an inspiring and gracious leader to not only her freshman class, but to the program as a whole! Thank you Lily for the love and positivity you've brought into the program this past year— we are so grateful, and you're appreciated by all of us!”
... See MoreSee Less

2 months ago

Congratulations to LILY CONG, who was the 2019/2020 Ralphie Spirit Award winner!

One way we celebrate our UArizona Dance values is the Ralphie Spirit Award, a recognition named in memory of dance major Ralph Romero. This peer selected award recognizes a dancer in our program who exemplifies these five qualities:
OPTIMISM of the “glass is always full” variety;
KINDNESS that manifests itself in daily acts of generosity;
ASPIRATION that is undaunted and filled with the lust for life;
A SENSE OF SELF that is unique and unapologetic; and
AN ATTITUDE of the noble variety

Former Dance Collective club president, Ally Hauke, wrote “Lily is a beautiful example of everything this award is. Her kindness spreads throughout the entire program….She has been an inspiring and gracious leader to not only her freshman class, but to the program as a whole! Thank you Lily for the love and positivity youve brought into the program this past year— we are so grateful, and youre appreciated by all of us!”
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Congratulations that's fabulous

Congratulations Lily

Congrats !!!! Such an honor !!!

CONGrats, Lil’ 💙❤️

Congratulations Lily!

Congratulations to you, Lily! 🎉❤️

Congratulations!! This is so awesome!!!

Congratulations, Lily!

Congratulations Lily!!! 🎉

This is so wonderful. I knew Ralph Romero and he had all of those attributes. So glad you guys are doing this still💜

Congratulations 🎉

Sooooo well deserved!! ❤️

Congrats 🎉🎈🎊

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

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