UCM offers dance classes, has Spring performance planned
Jan 27, 2010, 1:23 PM
By KISHA HENRY Muleskinner
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| Ashely Miller (right), UCM's new dance instructor, leads a rehearsal in the Highlander Theatre. (Photo By WILLIAM HACKER, Muleskinner Photo Editor) |
With dance credentials ranging from competitions to choreography to performing with various dance companies, one thing is for certain--Ashley Miller has passion.
"I love dance. It allows the body to express what no words are able to convey, and for the body and soul to connect in a way that no other art can,"Miller said. "Movement can be one of the most powerful forms of communication and expression. Watching a person dance is like being allowed a glimpse into their soul, and you can take something and learn from every dance that you perform or see."
Miller, who began dancing at a young age, has proven a good fit for UCM's new dance program.
"I began dancing in 4th grade, when a dance studio opened in my hometown in Iowa, and I haven't stopped dancing since," Miller said.
At the dance studio, Miller became involved in many dance competitions, and was given opportunities to choreograph and teach there as well. During her teenage years, she traveled with professional instructors to assist in workshops throughout the U.S. She was a member of her high school's dance team and was involved in all the school's musicals.
After she began her studies at Iowa State University, she realized her interest in modern, African, ballroom dance and choreography. She went on to participate in the university's musical productions and studied for a summer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York City.
After graduation, she taught dance in studios and public schools and worked for a non-profit dance organization, all while performing with a small modern dance company in Iowa. She received her master of fine arts degree in dance performance/choreography from the University of New Mexico.
Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in higher education, she seized the opportunity of becoming a dance instructor at UCM.
"With what the job would allow me to do as a teacher and as an artist, I was eager to apply for the position. I felt that it would be a perfect fit for me," Miller said.
"Watching them push themselves and take risks in their dancing is so exciting. Witnessing the personal growth of my students is the best reward of teaching. When that light bulb goes on for one of my students, I get excited. I succeed when they succeed," Miller said.
Like a lot of students at UCM, Diallo Simms, a theatre major, was not aware of this new opportunity.
"I saw the classes on the schedule and I didn't realize that you could take dance for credit. I figured it would be fun." Since signing up for the classes, Simms has nothing but great things to say.
"Ashley is so cool. She's more of a friend than what you would picture when you think of a professor, but she's not going to take it easy on you."
For students like Simms, who has aspirations of being a choreographer for musical theater, these classes are very helpful.
"Each class begins with a warm-up period in which students focus on alignment, strength building, increasing their flexibility, and developing fundamentals in building technique," Miller said. "This is followed by across-the-floor progressions and concludes with learning an extended movement combination or dance routine."
Although the rountine sounds strenuous, Miller said those who take the class will not be expected to work on a professional level. No dance experience is required for level I dance classes and level II classes require completion of one to two semesters of beginning classes or instructor permission.
Kinsey Parker, a theatre performance major, uses the classes to keep her 13 years of dance experience up to par.
"The classes are more 'beginner' in regards to skill level, which is good, because a lot of people want to dance, but most have never taken a class. It's a review for me, but it's helping keep me in shape and my dance abilities sharp," Parker said.
Not all students enter the classes with a passion for dance, but Deanna Mazdra, a junior theatre performance major, is proof that one can leave with it.
"After I graduate, I will be pursuing an acting career in plays and musical theatre, so I need to better my dance skills. Through these classes, I've found that I really like to dance," Mazdra said.
Along with the new dance program comes the Theatre Department's first Spring Dance Concert, which takes place on the Highlander stage Saturday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
"Soles in Motion" will feature a combination of dance pieces in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre and modern dance. UCM faculty and four chosen UCM students (including Simms and Parker) have choreographed the event. Guest artist Megan Helmers from Des Moines, Iowa, will perform. Tickets are $5 and available at the Highlander Theatre box office.
