Elon University welcomes this week hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students from 23 colleges and universities for a four-day dance festival that includes classes, workshops, panels and performances, all centered around the theme of the intersection of dance, theater and multimedia.
From March 23-26, participants will have the chance to not only showcase their work, but also learn from top industry professionals, who will critique their choreography and performances. Part of the American College Dance Festival Association, the conference will also increase the national prominence of Elon’s dance program, said associate professor and conference coordinator Lauren Kearns.
During the day, students will attend panels and workshops led by faculty from participating schools. Each school can also submit two choreographed pieces, which will be performed during the evenings before a panel of three judges.
This year’s adjudicators include Gabri Christa, an international dance filmmaker; David Parker, founder of The Bang Group dance company; and Claire Porter, an award-winning dance performer. On opening day, each will show clips of their own work and explain their unique approach, which will benefit the students’ understanding of the professional feedback they receive.
“It gives participants the opportunity to understand where the adjudicators’ aesthetic view points are and where their feedback is coming from,” Kearns said.
LehrerDance, a professional jazz and modern dance company in New York, will also perform as guests. Immanuel Naylor ’06, who currently serves as associate director of the company, returns to campus along with Jon Lehrer, a Winter Term guest artist at Elon who created a piece to be performed by a student dance company in May.
Beyond just learning under from various teachers, Kearns said students also have the opportunity to network with professionals in the hopes of securing a job following graduation. The exposure to a large amount of dance will also enhance their experience at the conference.
“There are wide variety of viewpoints the students will get to see,” Kearns said. “Their artistic education will be expanded and they will be immersed in dance for days.”
Forty-two of the nearly 450 participants will be from Elon’s own undergraduate dance program. This year, the university will graduate its first class of dancers with Bachelors in Fine Arts, a program introduced four years ago. Kearns said these are the students who will not only make their mark at the conference, but are also encouraging involvement from the younger students.
Senior Kara Griffin has participated in the festival for each of the past three years and said she always leaves feeling inspired.
“I’m so proud that Elon’s hosting this year, and I know we will add our special Elon touch to an already great event,” she said. “I’m confident it will be the best one I’ve been to.”
For more information visit the ACDFA at Elon website.
– Written by Caitlin O’Donnell ’13