ISU dance department shines at 2019 American College Dance Association Northwest Regional Conference

This year, there were 41 dances presented for adjudication and from those dances, 10 were selected for the highly coveted gala concert. It is unusual for two works from the same college program to be chosen. But, this year, both of ISU’s works were selected.

“It is an incredible recognition and honor to be chosen for the gala,” said Kathy Diehl, ISU director of dance. “Especially when considering that we were sharing concerts with large, nationally recognized programs like University of Utah, BYU and the University of Montana. We received incredibly positive feedback from the adjudicators, fellow students and faculty from other universities. Overall, it was a tremendously rewarding and validating experience for our small dance program.”

Diehl, faculty members Lauralee Zimmerly and Emily Slike, and six ISU dance students participated in the conference held at University of Utah this year. Dance majors Emmanuel Chavez, Amanda Stubblefield and Aaron Peite had rehearsed and prepared three pieces since December. One piece for adjudication titled “To the Core” was choreographed by Stubblefield and performed by Chavez. Diehl choreographed the second adjudication piece “Inner Workings,” performed by Chavez, Peite, and Stubblefield. Peite performed his solo work “Place” in an informal concert.

This prestigious conference offers students and faculty members from throughout the region the opportunity to perform, take a variety of classes, watch concerts and network with other dance artists. College dance programs are invited to present choreographic works for adjudication from one faculty or guest artist and one student, and can also share a work in an informal, non-adjudicated concert.

The panel of adjudicators this year included Leah Cox, dean of the American Dance Festival, George Staib, professor at Emory College of Arts and Sciences, and Endalyn Taylor, former principal dancer and director of Dance Theatre of Harlem School.

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