Dance

College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance

Susan Shields

Amanda Snellings

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School of Dance students rehearse Robert Battle’s “Awakening” for Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert.
(Photo Credit: Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications/George Mason University)

George Mason University’s School of Dance presents the 2024 Mason School of Dance Gala Concert on March 22 and 23, celebrating a rich array of diverse choreographic voices that span from the early days of modern dance to the freshest perspectives of today. As such, this year’s program showcases Mason’s School of Dance students in four varied works by well-known choreographers and dance educators Kyle Abraham (Drive), Rena Butler (This, That, and the Third), Martha Graham (Steps in the Street), and Susan Shields (Visions and Miracles).

“We are thrilled to present this year's Mason Dance Company Gala Concert performances, featuring works by such renowned choreographers including our very own Susan Shields,” said Director of the Mason School of Dance Karen Reedy. A hallmark of our program is our strong connection to the professional field. Our dancers grow tremendously through working closely in residency with these important dance artists. They heighten their professionalism, make connections for their careers, and truly grow from students to artists. We invite audiences to join us to witness the stunning results of our dancers’ hard work. For those who would like to take their support of the School of Dance a step further, we hope to see you at the Mason Dance Fête on March 23.”

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performed at the Center on February 17. (Photo Credit: Courtesy A.I.M by Kyle Abraham)

Commissioned for New York City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival in 2017, Kyle Abraham’s Drive is a memory-infused piece celebrating the ecstasy of a dance club. Abraham has shared that his origins in dance began in the club world when he was a teenager growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This personal experience inspired the high-energy propulsive work set to club beats, which features an ensemble of eight dancers. This performance is staged by Jae Neal. In addition to Abraham’s piece being included in Mason’s School of Dance Gala, Abraham’s contemporary dance company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, is a 2023/2024 Mason Artist-in-Residence which included masterclasses with Mason School of Dance students and the local community prior to their performance at the Center for the Arts on February 17.

Rena Butler’s This, That, and the Third premiered in 2019 as part of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Forge Forward program. The work explores themes of otherness and code-switching. Over 23 minutes, Butler introduces each member of the six-person cast through distinctive solos and intimate duets. The result is a powerful piece in which the ensemble finds connection through shared experience, revealing the power of multiplicity and a progressive future. This performance is staged by Rena Butler and Madison Pineda. For a special preview of Butler’s piece, watch the video below.

Premiered at New York City’s Guild Theater in 1936—as part of a larger piece entitled Chronicle—Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street was created in response to the rise of fascism in Europe. The rhythmic piece is performed by 12 women, who depict the tragedy and isolation of war through a new dance vocabulary developed by the iconic Graham. The original program notes from the full work’s premiere reads, “Chronicle does not attempt to show the actualities of war; rather, by evoking war’s images, it sets forth the fateful prelude to war, portrays the devastation of spirit which it leaves in its wake, and suggests an answer.” The piece is staged by Elizabeth Auclair.

This piece will also be featured in George Mason University’s Center of the Arts’ Martha Graham Dance Company performance on April 13.

Mason School of Dance Professor, Susan Shields.

A joyous and colorful celebration of music, Susan Shields’ Visions and Miracles will remind audiences that spring is right around the corner. The large ensemble piece debuted in 2012 as part of The Juilliard School’s “New Dances” project. Set to a lively score by composer Christopher Theofanidis, Shields choreography resonates with vibrancy and serves as a metaphor for Mason’s emerging young performers as they embark on their journeys. Shields is an alumna of, and currently a professor in, Mason’s School of Dance. This piece is staged by Shields and assistants Lauren Ciccolini and Nateisha Reaves.

Prior to the March 23 performance, supporters will attend the Mason Dance Fête at 5:30 p.m. in the deLaski Performing Arts Building. This intimate benefit event is a special celebration of Mason’s School of Dance faculty and students. Guests will enjoy open studio demonstrations of works by leading choreographers, including those featured in the Gala Concert program, as well as a food-and-drink reception. All net proceeds from the Mason Dance Fête go toward Mason School of Dance student scholarship funds. The event is co-chaired by Kimberly K. Eby and Julia G. Morelli and Platinum Sponsors of the event are Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd. To learn more about the hard work and art created by Mason School of Dance, watch the video below.

Witness the impressive future of dance and purchase tickets to Mason School of Dance Gala Concert on March 22 and 23. For sponsorship inquiries and questions about Mason Dance Fête, please contact Amanda Snellings at 703-993-1593.

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ‘awakens’ School of Dance students at Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert

Shayla Brown — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:16:59 +0000

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ‘awakens’ School of Dance students at Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert Shayla Brown Fri, 04/07/2023 - 11:16

In This Story

College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance

Lawrence M. Jackson

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

Lawrence Jackson, a George Mason University School of Dance associate professor, explained why it’s so significant to have contemporary professional choreographers like Robert Battle produce works for the school’s 2023 Dance Company Gala Concert.

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

“Robert Battle is the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), but he's also a choreographer of his own right,” Jackson said. “[Battle] is a choreographic genius and living legend.”

Battle’s “Awakening,” along with works by others, were performed by Mason dance students at the gala concert in March.

“It’s a really unique piece, because it was the first dance that Battle created after he became the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,” said Karen Reedy, director of Mason’s School of Dance.

In Battle’s “Awakening,” Reedy said, “there's a solo figure that emerges from the group symbolizing himself and all the feelings that go along with that of being chosen to lead the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and this community of people that has such a legacy.”

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

Junior dance major Morgan Olschewske is one of 12 students who performed Battle’s piece, and one of 42 student performers overall, including understudies.

“A couple of us female-identifying dancers were cast in male roles, which was also a cool thing because the dance is kind of gendered but also it doesn't really matter,” said Olschewske. “I am dancing the role of current company dancer, Yannick Lebrun. Yannick is this gigantic man, and I'm like 5 feet 4 inches, so I was honored to get cast as such a larger-than-life dancer.”

Battle visited Mason’s dance students and offered artistic insight into the work, while former AAADT dancer Elisa Clark acting as a choreographic tutor known as a repetiteur.

“Elisa is an incredible stager,” Reedy said. “She's danced most of the works created by Robert Battle. She's his right hand and has done this incredible job of sharing this work.”

Olschewske agreed, calling Elisa “one of the most thorough individuals I ever worked with in terms of knowing everything about the choreography.”

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Shelby Burgess.

The Gala included of four performances split into two acts. “Awakening,” an 18-minute piece, closed the first half to a standing ovation, said Reedy.

“It was quite gripping for the audience. I believe that many resonated with this very cathartic work,” she said.

The gala is one of the School of Dance’s biggest annual events. Prospective students are often invited.

“If students are on the fence about wanting to join the School of Dance, this concert pushes them over and they're [excited] to come to Mason,” said Jackson. “I was invited to come to one of these concerts, and it's actually what convinced me to accept my position here.”

“This was my first time meeting [Robert Battle], and it was certainly the highlight of my career,” said Jackson. “One of the reasons I was attracted to the School of Dance is its reputation for hosting an array of eminent and emerging artists, providing artistic inspiration and networking opportunities for Mason students and faculty alike.”

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Podcast - EP 47: Black Dance: Housing the past and the present

Damian Cristodero — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:11:34 +0000

Podcast - EP 47: Black Dance: Housing the past and the present Damian Cristodero Wed, 02/15/2023 - 10:11

In This Story

Gregory Washington

Lawrence Jackson says colonialism brought an end to authentic African dance. But the associate professor of dance at George Mason University, who in 2011 co-authored and edited a special edition on Black dance in the Journal of Pan African Studies, explains to Mason President Gregory Washington how Black dance keeps those African cultural traditions alive and is an affirmation of identity and independence. And did you know that tap, jazz and ballroom dancing have African roots? Jackson explains.

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Mason School of Dance students collaborate with Doug Varone and Dancers in upcoming performances

Shayla Brown — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:18:42 +0000

Mason School of Dance students collaborate with Doug Varone and Dancers in upcoming performances Shayla Brown Wed, 11/30/2022 - 14:18

In This Story

Mason School of Dance students rehearsing for upcoming performance of "Double Octet." Photo by Jessie Ferguson

Dancing is in Morgan Olschewske’s blood. “I was dancing around the house since I could walk. My mom is a dance teacher, and she also went to school for dance.”

The George Mason University junior and 16 of her peers were selected by esteemed Doug Varone and Dancers, one of Mason’s artists-in-residence, to participate in the upcoming performances. Eight of the students will perform alongside the company in February, and all 17 will perform at the Center for the Arts at the annual Mason Dance Company Gala in the spring. The students will be performing a version of the piece, “Double Octet."

Auditions took place in October, and all 70 School of Dance majors participated.

“Casting is completely up to the artist who comes in. We try to make this as real-world as possible for our field,” said Karen Reedy, director of Mason’s School of Dance. “All of the students would give anything to be in that room working, so it’s a real highlight for these dancers who were selected.”

Morgan Olschewske (front) and Michael Cherry rehearsing for "Double Octet." Photo by Jessie Ferguson

Guest artist residencies are intense and invaluable artistic experiences for our dancers, said Reedy.

Sophomore Joseph Schuman has been dancing for 16 years and was cast by Doug Varone and Dancers as a cover in the performance.

“I am covering two main roles in the work. So, in the case of injury or any other issue that pulls one of those dancers out of the performance, I would go in for them,” Schuman explained. “It’s a hugely important and integral part of choreographic work, especially now after what we’ve seen through COVID. Things change quickly, and it’s better to have more bodies than less.” 

Olschewske and Schuman said they both admire Varone’s creative process, particularly his style of movement and composition. They found mentors in company dancers Daeyana Moss and Ryan Yamauchi who led the students through the audition process.

“They were so kind and down to earth. I loved just watching them move because they’re professionals in the company,” said Olschewske. “That was a highlight for me in the lesson of what kind of dancer I want to be.”

“I think what makes instructors and auditioners special is when they offer you the same vulnerability that they expect from you. Some people can be cold and unfeeling and still ask you for this very sensitive part of yourself,” said Schuman. “As artists, we’re meant to offer these parts of ourselves, and it’s comforting to have them offer that same level of being vulnerable with us, and making it a space where we can really dive into what we need to.” 

Mason School of Dance students rehearsing for "Double Octet." Photo by Jessie Ferguson

"The fact that Doug Varone has invited our dancers to perform with his company is a big deal," said Reedy, who is also a Mason alum with an MFA in Dance. "It says a lot about the respect he holds for our School of Dance and the professional level of our incredibly talented young artists."

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The LIVE Center Mentoring Series Brings Big Dance Names to Mason

Emily Schneider — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 17:59:19 +0000

The LIVE Center Mentoring Series Brings Big Dance Names to Mason Emily Schneider Wed, 04/13/2022 - 13:59

In This Story

Christopher d'Amboise

Learn More About the LIVE Center

The LIVE Center Mentoring Series is a new initiative from The LIVE Center within George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts that connects some of the biggest names in the performance world to students around the country.

Left: Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck; Right: Students in George Mason University's School of Dance move during a class using The Live Center's Window Wall technology.

The first event of the Series features Tony Award-winning choreographer, director, filmmaker, and dancer, Justin Peck, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2022. This event will be produced and streamed live using the LIVE Center’s Window Wall projection technology and Zoom from the National Dance Institute Center for Learning & the Arts (New York City, NY), to participating students at Mason’s School of Dance (Fairfax, VA) and the Baltimore School for the Arts (Baltimore, MD). The class will be moderated by Mason Heritage Professor of Dance and founder of The LIVE Center, Christopher d’Amboise. Funded in part by a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), this is the first of three events planned for this series in 2022.

With the accompaniment of two dancers, Peck, who is Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet and has choreographed countless projects for stage and screen including Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story (2021), will lead a conversation with students on the differences between choreographing for film versus live performance, and will instruct students on some of the vocabulary developed around his choreography for the film.

“The LIVE Center's mission is to provide unique and creative virtual education opportunities for students, and having the world-renowned choreographer Justin Peck is as exciting as it gets,” says d’Amboise. “He will be providing insight and information on his process, experience, and the challenges of choreographing for ballet, Broadway, and cinema. The LIVE Center Mentoring Series connects the greatest artists of today with the next generation of leaders.”

Justin Peck is a Tony Award winning choreographer, director, filmmaker, and dancer based in New York City. He is currently the acting Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet. Peck began choreographing in 2009 at the New York Choreographic Institute. In 2014, after the creation of his acclaimed ballet Everywhere We Go, he was appointed as Resident Choreographer of New York City Ballet. He is the second person in the institution’s history to hold this title. As a performer, Peck has danced a vast repertoire of works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Alexei Ratmansky, Lynn Taylor-Corbett, Benjamin Millepied, Christopher Wheeldon, and many others. Peck has created more than 40 dances—over 20 of those for New York City Ballet. Peck has worked extensively as a filmmaker. In particular, his focus has been exploring new innovative ways of presenting dance on film. Peck choreographed the feature films Red Sparrow (2016) starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by Francis Lawrence; and West Side Story (2021) in collaboration with director Steven Spielberg.

Christopher d'Amboise is currently a Heritage Professor in the School of Dance at George Mason University. Born into a family of dancers, he became a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet, and from 1990 to 1994, he was the artistic director, president, and CEO of the Pennsylvania Ballet. He also has a passion for musical theater and performed in the Broadway production of Song and Dance, which earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Developed to expand the reach of The LIVE Center’s groundbreaking virtual instruction technology and the connections it makes possible, The LIVE Center Mentoring Series is a new project that offers direct access to exciting classes and conversations with globally recognized artists, choreographers, and performers. Additional events will be scheduled for Fall 2022, and interested organizations are encouraged to contact the College to discuss potential participation.

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virtual alternative instruction

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virtual education

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The LIVE Center Awarded $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

Emily Schneider — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:57:21 +0000

The LIVE Center Awarded $10,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Emily Schneider Mon, 01/31/2022 - 11:57

In This Story

Christopher d'Amboise

The LIVE Center (or the Center for Live Interactive Virtual Education) within George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts has been approved for a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This funding will support future programming from this groundbreaking center at Mason: the LIVE Center Mentoring Series.

Developed to expand the reach of the LIVE center’s groundbreaking virtual instruction technology and the connections it makes possible, the LIVE Center Mentoring Series is a new project that offers direct access to exciting classes and conversations with globally recognized artists, choreographers, and performers. Students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Mason will be joined by high school and university students from around the country, broadening access to exceptional training and connections in the professional dance world. This grant will fund three iterations of the LIVE Center Mentoring Series during 2022. The first class is anticipated for May 2022, and will be shared live with about 300 participants across the United States. More details about the dates and participating artists will be announced as they are finalized.

"This is a unique opportunity to connect leading artists with the next generation of performers in a supportive and meaningful way," said Christopher d’Amboise, Heritage Professor of Dance and leader of the LIVE Center.

Christopher d'Amboise teaching a class in front of the LIVE Center Window Wall, in the Fall of 2021.

In 2019, d’Amboise saw a need for video conferencing that allowed for life-sized, full body interaction. From this, the concept of the Window Wall was created: a teacher in a remote location could be projected live and life-sized onto the wall of a studio, while a live feed of the students is projected for the teacher.

This concept became the basis for the flagship initiative of the LIVE Center. By eliminating the barrier of distance, theWindow Wall expands possibilities for virtual teaching, performances, and one-of-a-kind events.

The LIVE Center Mentoring Series project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts that help support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts in Fairfax, VA is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”

To stay in the know, visit the LIVE Center site.

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Mason Fall New Dances Concert is back, better than ever

Colleen Rich — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:57:59 +0000

Mason Fall New Dances Concert is back, better than ever Colleen Rich Thu, 11/11/2021 - 11:57

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Mason dancers rehearse Sophie Amundson’s piece "Impression of a Pianist" masked but will perform unmasked on Nov. 12–13 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Pictured is Will Pettigrew, Jessica Brown, Rachel Bozalis, Lauren Ciccolini, Margaret Pugh, Gabriella Pate, and Nick Elizondo. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

George Mason University’s School of Dance students are excited to be back performing before a live audience as they present “Fall: New Dances”—performances filled with diverse choreography, talented dancers, and new works created by students.

The performances will be at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall, on Mason’s SciTech Campus in Manassas.

“Our dancers and choreographers are just hungry to be sharing their art, and they have a lot to communicate,” said Karen Reedy, director of the School of Dance. “The performances will feel like we are back and running.”

Reedy said that there are eight dances in the “Fall: New Dances” program, all choreographed by Mason dancers.

Like many of his fellow dancers, dance major Dareon Marquel Blowe is ecstatic to be back in person.

“You will see us pouring our hearts on the stage to show all of the emotions we’ve dealt with in the last few years,” said Blowe, who is from Newport News, Virginia. “I believe the biggest takeaway from this year’s ‘Fall: New Dances’ is the commitment to our art form.”

Dancers Sidney Durand, Addison David, and Genevieve Felder rehearse Rosa Wolff's “Insides Meet Yours.” Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

Blowe is performing in three works: “Sole,” “X and why?” and “This must be my entrance.” “Each piece is drastically different as they all approach a series of mental, emotional, and physical strain,” said Blowe. “We discuss the power of the mind and toxic masculinity, as well as the ability to showcase diverse musical scores.”

Preparation for the concert began with an audition of 80 dance majors early in the fall semester. Reedy said that dance composition is an important part of the School of Dance curriculum.

“Our students are mentored by faculty, but these are independent projects,” she said. “These young artists each have an idea they are excited to bring it to life.”

Sophie Rebecca Amundson, a senior dance major with a minor in forensic psychology, is both a choreographer and performer in this concert.

“My piece is about the relationship between a pianist and their piano,” said Amundson, who was inspired by an old Bugs Bunny cartoon titled ‘Rhapsody Rabbit’ but noted that her piece moves beyond the comedic concept in the cartoon. “I wanted to explore not only the relationship between piano and pianist but also the relationships between different parts of the piano.”

Members of the Mason Dance Company rehearse the piece “Mortal Form,” choreographed by Annabel Kaplan. The dancers featured are Anna Lopez, Alyssa Storz, Margaret Pugh, Morgan Olschewske, Morgan Lamarre, Brianna Dawkins, and Elizabeth Wiehe. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

“Preparing for the show this semester has been incredibly exciting,” said Amundson, who is from Los Angeles, California. “Although we were still masked, being able to touch and experiment with partnering after the long two years of COVID precautions felt like a breath of fresh air.

“You get this opportunity to see the fabulous dancing and original works by these young choreographers, who will be the next generation in our field,” said Reedy of the performance.

Reedy also said that artists tend to reflect the times. “We are living in challenging times with the ongoing pandemic and so much important change and transition in our society. I think you’ll see all of that reflected in the work.”

“Coming to the theater and sharing community is much a part of what we do,” said Reedy. “Our art form is physical, human and it brings community together.”

"Fall: New Dances" is the school's first performance of the 2021-22 season. To see the schedule of performances, visit the website.

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College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance