Alayna Baron (Performer)
Alayna Baron is a junior in the department of dance. She grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is pursuing a Women's Studies major in addition to her BFA. This is Alayna's second season with Ann Arbor Dance Works. Since her enrollment in the Department of Dance, Alayna has performed in works by faculty Jessica Fogel, Robin Wilson, and guest artist Richard Alston.
Alayna Baron is a junior in the department of dance. She grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is pursuing a Women's Studies major in addition to her BFA. This is Alayna's second season with Ann Arbor Dance Works. Since her enrollment in the Department of Dance, Alayna has performed in works by faculty Jessica Fogel, Robin Wilson, and guest artist Richard Alston.
Missy Beck (Choreographer)
Melissa "Missy" Beck is on a perpetual quest to develop anatomically sound ballet techniques and to encourage dancers to move with thoughtful efficiency for maximum output with minimum effort. She has presented her research at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) the National Dance Educators’ Organization (NDEO) conference and has been invited to present at the Performing Arts Medicine Conference (PAMA).
Beck has taught for the Paul Taylor Summer Intensive, Interlochen Arts Camp, Arts Unlimited: A Lincoln Center Institute and Wolftrap Ohio. Additionally, she has taught for MPulse’s Summer Dance Institute and was the acting director of the program in 2008. Beck was an adjudicator for the Ohio Dance Festival presented by the Ohio Dance Council (2006).
Beck is the 2006 recipient of the Maggie Allesee New Choreography Award presented by the Michigan Dance Council. In 2004, she was invited to present her choreography in Chicago at Around the Coyote Dance Festival. Beck has choreographed for dance, opera, theatre and musical theatre productions. She has had the pleasure of working with renowned directors Robert Benedetti (The Cradle Will Rock) and Nicolette Molnar (Jackie O). She has been commissioned to create works for the Bates Dance Festival: Youth Arts Program (1999), Bowling Green State University (2001), multiple productions for University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Chamber Music Ann Arbor (2003) and Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Melissa "Missy" Beck is on a perpetual quest to develop anatomically sound ballet techniques and to encourage dancers to move with thoughtful efficiency for maximum output with minimum effort. She has presented her research at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) the National Dance Educators’ Organization (NDEO) conference and has been invited to present at the Performing Arts Medicine Conference (PAMA).
Beck has taught for the Paul Taylor Summer Intensive, Interlochen Arts Camp, Arts Unlimited: A Lincoln Center Institute and Wolftrap Ohio. Additionally, she has taught for MPulse’s Summer Dance Institute and was the acting director of the program in 2008. Beck was an adjudicator for the Ohio Dance Festival presented by the Ohio Dance Council (2006).
Beck is the 2006 recipient of the Maggie Allesee New Choreography Award presented by the Michigan Dance Council. In 2004, she was invited to present her choreography in Chicago at Around the Coyote Dance Festival. Beck has choreographed for dance, opera, theatre and musical theatre productions. She has had the pleasure of working with renowned directors Robert Benedetti (The Cradle Will Rock) and Nicolette Molnar (Jackie O). She has been commissioned to create works for the Bates Dance Festival: Youth Arts Program (1999), Bowling Green State University (2001), multiple productions for University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Chamber Music Ann Arbor (2003) and Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Amy Cadwallader (Performer)
Amy Cadwallader is entering her second year in the U-M Master of Fine Arts in Dance program. She performed in Ph.D. flautist Erika Boysen's music and dance concert with choreographer Jessica Post. Amy is enjoying her first season with AADW this year.
Amy Cadwallader is entering her second year in the U-M Master of Fine Arts in Dance program. She performed in Ph.D. flautist Erika Boysen's music and dance concert with choreographer Jessica Post. Amy is enjoying her first season with AADW this year.
Amy Chavasse (Choreographer)
Amy Chavasse, Associate Professor of Dance, choreographer, performer, educator, improviser, storyteller and artistic director of ChavasseDance&Performance joined the faculty of the University of Michigan in 2006. She has been a guest artist/ faculty member at numerous institutions including Middlebury College, Arizona State, Virginia Commonwealth, UNC-Greensboro, NC School of the Arts, George Washington, Bennington College, University of Calgary and Cornish College of the Arts. She teaches at Ann Arbor Dance Works, ADF’s WFSS series, at DNA- NYC, Florence Summer Dance, Duncan 3.0 (Rome), and was on the faculty of ProDanza Italia from 2006-2010. She teaches contemporary technique, composition, improvisation, repertory, creative process, and social issues in dance.
As artistic director of ChavasseDance&Performance, Chavasse's work has been presented throughout the U.S. including New York City (Dance New Amsterdam, Dixon Place, 100 Grand, Judson Church, WaxWorks, Triskelion, BAAD Ass! Women’s Fesitval); Washington, D.C. (The Dance Place); San Diego; Seattle (Broadway Performance Hall); Vermont (The Flynn Theater); Tempe, AZ; and with the NC Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out. Internationally, she has taught and had her work produced in Trinidad; Cienfuegos and Havana, Cuba; Kaunus and Vilnius, Lithuania; Vienna, Austria; Cali, Colombia; and Buenos Aires. She is dedicated to establishing international connections for her own creative projects and for her students, and since arriving at U-M, she has successfully funded two residencies by Grupo Krapp - Buenos Aires, and ResExtensa Danza Teatro Danza - Bari, Italy. ChavasseDance&Performance traveled to Bari, Italy in July 2011 to teach, rehearse and premiere Hunger for the Longing (a biased history of seduction). Chavasse has danced in many companies and independent projects in NC, DC and NYC, as well as with Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians and Bill Young and Dancers. She received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts and her MFA from the University of Washington.
Amy Chavasse, Associate Professor of Dance, choreographer, performer, educator, improviser, storyteller and artistic director of ChavasseDance&Performance joined the faculty of the University of Michigan in 2006. She has been a guest artist/ faculty member at numerous institutions including Middlebury College, Arizona State, Virginia Commonwealth, UNC-Greensboro, NC School of the Arts, George Washington, Bennington College, University of Calgary and Cornish College of the Arts. She teaches at Ann Arbor Dance Works, ADF’s WFSS series, at DNA- NYC, Florence Summer Dance, Duncan 3.0 (Rome), and was on the faculty of ProDanza Italia from 2006-2010. She teaches contemporary technique, composition, improvisation, repertory, creative process, and social issues in dance.
As artistic director of ChavasseDance&Performance, Chavasse's work has been presented throughout the U.S. including New York City (Dance New Amsterdam, Dixon Place, 100 Grand, Judson Church, WaxWorks, Triskelion, BAAD Ass! Women’s Fesitval); Washington, D.C. (The Dance Place); San Diego; Seattle (Broadway Performance Hall); Vermont (The Flynn Theater); Tempe, AZ; and with the NC Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out. Internationally, she has taught and had her work produced in Trinidad; Cienfuegos and Havana, Cuba; Kaunus and Vilnius, Lithuania; Vienna, Austria; Cali, Colombia; and Buenos Aires. She is dedicated to establishing international connections for her own creative projects and for her students, and since arriving at U-M, she has successfully funded two residencies by Grupo Krapp - Buenos Aires, and ResExtensa Danza Teatro Danza - Bari, Italy. ChavasseDance&Performance traveled to Bari, Italy in July 2011 to teach, rehearse and premiere Hunger for the Longing (a biased history of seduction). Chavasse has danced in many companies and independent projects in NC, DC and NYC, as well as with Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians and Bill Young and Dancers. She received her BFA from the University of NC School of the Arts and her MFA from the University of Washington.
Gay Delanghe (1940-2006) (Choreographer)
Gay Delanghe, (Choreographer), was a founding and integral member of Ann Arbor Dance Works. Delanghe received her MA in Dance from UM in 1965, after which she moved to NYC, where she performed with the Lucas Hoving Dance Company, and choreographers such as Yvonne Rainer and Janet Soares, while producing her own choreography in such settings as the Dance Uptown Series and Dance Theater Workshop. In 1972 she joined the UM Dance faculty, serving as chair of the department 1994-2001, and teaching there until her death in 2006. During her tenure at UM, she remained an active performer, choreographer and teacher in venues around the world, including the Centre Formation Professionelle de Danse in Poitiers, France; Interlochen National Music Camp; and the Manhattanville José Limon Summer Dance Residency. The Delanghe Endowment has enabled Ann Arbor Dance Works to offer guest artist residencies, and to nurture current Dance majors and alumni dance artists, a plan Delanghe had long envisioned.
Gay Delanghe, (Choreographer), was a founding and integral member of Ann Arbor Dance Works. Delanghe received her MA in Dance from UM in 1965, after which she moved to NYC, where she performed with the Lucas Hoving Dance Company, and choreographers such as Yvonne Rainer and Janet Soares, while producing her own choreography in such settings as the Dance Uptown Series and Dance Theater Workshop. In 1972 she joined the UM Dance faculty, serving as chair of the department 1994-2001, and teaching there until her death in 2006. During her tenure at UM, she remained an active performer, choreographer and teacher in venues around the world, including the Centre Formation Professionelle de Danse in Poitiers, France; Interlochen National Music Camp; and the Manhattanville José Limon Summer Dance Residency. The Delanghe Endowment has enabled Ann Arbor Dance Works to offer guest artist residencies, and to nurture current Dance majors and alumni dance artists, a plan Delanghe had long envisioned.
Bill DeYoung (Choreographer/Performer)
Bill De Young has danced with the companies of Al Huang, Bella Lewitzky, Rudy Perez, Elizabeth Keen and Cliff Keuter. In 1975, he formed the DeYoung Dance Theatre in New York City and took the company on two national tours. De Young has received choreography commissions from the Harvard Dance Center, the Joffrey II, the Chautauqua Festival Dance Company, NBC Television, The Yard on Martha's Vineyard, Danza Universitaria in Mexico City, Truzka of Hermosillo, Mexico, Danza Una and Danza Universitaria of Costa Rica, Ann Arbor Dance Works, the National Company of Paraguay, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble Detroit and others.
During winter semester 2000, De Young was guest faculty and choreographer for the Institute del Teatre in Barcelona, Spain, and guest teacher for the Jove Compania of Barcelona. In 1990, he was guest director of the National Dance Company of Costa Rica. De Young is a recipient of a prestigious Kellogg National Fellowship in addition to two National Endowment of the Arts Choreography Fellowships, a Jerome Foundation Award and several grants from The Michigan Council for the Arts. He has been a cultural specialist for the United States Information Agency/Arts America and a member of Affiliate Artists, Inc., of New York. De Young has been a Fulbright Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar in Costa Rica and has taught and performed in Germany, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, Paraguay and Thailand. He continues to work as a freelance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Bill De Young has danced with the companies of Al Huang, Bella Lewitzky, Rudy Perez, Elizabeth Keen and Cliff Keuter. In 1975, he formed the DeYoung Dance Theatre in New York City and took the company on two national tours. De Young has received choreography commissions from the Harvard Dance Center, the Joffrey II, the Chautauqua Festival Dance Company, NBC Television, The Yard on Martha's Vineyard, Danza Universitaria in Mexico City, Truzka of Hermosillo, Mexico, Danza Una and Danza Universitaria of Costa Rica, Ann Arbor Dance Works, the National Company of Paraguay, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble Detroit and others.
During winter semester 2000, De Young was guest faculty and choreographer for the Institute del Teatre in Barcelona, Spain, and guest teacher for the Jove Compania of Barcelona. In 1990, he was guest director of the National Dance Company of Costa Rica. De Young is a recipient of a prestigious Kellogg National Fellowship in addition to two National Endowment of the Arts Choreography Fellowships, a Jerome Foundation Award and several grants from The Michigan Council for the Arts. He has been a cultural specialist for the United States Information Agency/Arts America and a member of Affiliate Artists, Inc., of New York. De Young has been a Fulbright Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar in Costa Rica and has taught and performed in Germany, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile, Paraguay and Thailand. He continues to work as a freelance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Jessica Fogel (Artistic Director, Choreographer, Performer)
Choreography by Jessica Fogel has been produced nationally and internationally since 1974. She spent a decade in NYC where she performed with several companies and was artistic director of Jessica Fogel and Dancers. A professor of Dance at the University of Michigan and artistic director of Ann Arbor Dance Works, she has received grants from the NEA, Rockefeller Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts, ArtServe Michigan, the Cultural Council Foundation of New York, and numerous other sources.
Her multi-layered interdisciplinary dances feature unique collaborations, often merging movement, text, music and digital projections. Sources of inspiration for her choreography are wide-ranging, including particle physics, astronomical research, visual art, poetry, and literature. She has developed several site dance projects that address ways the arts can provide stewardship for the environment, drawing inspiration from the stories embedded in rural and urban landscapes. Her most recent project, Into the Wind, was inspired by the potential for harnessing offshore wind in the Great Lakes and took place on the lakeside site of a former engine factory in Muskegon, Michigan. Another recent project was performed along a four-block route in downtown Ann Arbor, celebrating the layered histories of buildings and sites, and the hopes for a greenway connecting the downtown to outlying neighborhoods. She has produced other site works in Kyoto, Japan and in the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Her dances have been commissioned and produced by Dance Theater Workshop, the Riverside Dance Festival, the Lincoln Center Touring Program, The Yard, Harbinger Dance Company, Park Avenue Dance Company, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, U-M Museum of Art, and the Toledo Museum of Art.
Fogel has lectured frequently about her choreographic process, and has presented her choreographic research at a CORD conference on Dance and Human Rights in Montreal, at Seika University in Kyoto, and at an international symposium at the University of Surrey. She has been the recipient of several awards, including the Michigan Choreographers Festival Award, an award for a Lifetime of Achievement in the Arts from the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit, and an Award of Excellence from the National Fine Arts Video Competition.
Born and raised in Ithaca, NY, where she received her early dance training with the Ithaca Ballet Guild and the Cornell University Dance Group, she received a BA in Dance from Barnard College and an MA in Dance Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Choreography by Jessica Fogel has been produced nationally and internationally since 1974. She spent a decade in NYC where she performed with several companies and was artistic director of Jessica Fogel and Dancers. A professor of Dance at the University of Michigan and artistic director of Ann Arbor Dance Works, she has received grants from the NEA, Rockefeller Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts, ArtServe Michigan, the Cultural Council Foundation of New York, and numerous other sources.
Her multi-layered interdisciplinary dances feature unique collaborations, often merging movement, text, music and digital projections. Sources of inspiration for her choreography are wide-ranging, including particle physics, astronomical research, visual art, poetry, and literature. She has developed several site dance projects that address ways the arts can provide stewardship for the environment, drawing inspiration from the stories embedded in rural and urban landscapes. Her most recent project, Into the Wind, was inspired by the potential for harnessing offshore wind in the Great Lakes and took place on the lakeside site of a former engine factory in Muskegon, Michigan. Another recent project was performed along a four-block route in downtown Ann Arbor, celebrating the layered histories of buildings and sites, and the hopes for a greenway connecting the downtown to outlying neighborhoods. She has produced other site works in Kyoto, Japan and in the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Her dances have been commissioned and produced by Dance Theater Workshop, the Riverside Dance Festival, the Lincoln Center Touring Program, The Yard, Harbinger Dance Company, Park Avenue Dance Company, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, U-M Museum of Art, and the Toledo Museum of Art.
Fogel has lectured frequently about her choreographic process, and has presented her choreographic research at a CORD conference on Dance and Human Rights in Montreal, at Seika University in Kyoto, and at an international symposium at the University of Surrey. She has been the recipient of several awards, including the Michigan Choreographers Festival Award, an award for a Lifetime of Achievement in the Arts from the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit, and an Award of Excellence from the National Fine Arts Video Competition.
Born and raised in Ithaca, NY, where she received her early dance training with the Ithaca Ballet Guild and the Cornell University Dance Group, she received a BA in Dance from Barnard College and an MA in Dance Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Holly Hobbs (Performer)
Holly Hobbs, a Michigan native, received her M.F.A in performance and choreography from the University of Michigan. She is Co-Founder/Director of the Hobbs/Imberski Dance Exchange, featuring dynamic movement through the art of collaboration. Ms. Hobbs was a former dancer and soloist with Ann Arbor’s Peter Sparling Dance Company and has performed with Ann Arbor Dance Works, Detroit Dance Collective, and People Dancing. Ms. Hobbs has studied, taught, and performed internationally in Switzerland and Costa Rica. She has co-produced independent dance concerts in the Ann Arbor area and her choreography has been commissioned and presented throughout Southeast Michigan and Ohio. Ms. Hobbs is a former faculty member and guest choreographer at Eastern Michigan University and Bowling Green State University. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Dance Council and currently serves as Regional Representative. Ms. Hobbs is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level Three of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is currently Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Tower Dancers at Hillsdale College. To learn more about Ms. Hobbs please visit www.hollyhobbsdance.com.
Holly Hobbs, a Michigan native, received her M.F.A in performance and choreography from the University of Michigan. She is Co-Founder/Director of the Hobbs/Imberski Dance Exchange, featuring dynamic movement through the art of collaboration. Ms. Hobbs was a former dancer and soloist with Ann Arbor’s Peter Sparling Dance Company and has performed with Ann Arbor Dance Works, Detroit Dance Collective, and People Dancing. Ms. Hobbs has studied, taught, and performed internationally in Switzerland and Costa Rica. She has co-produced independent dance concerts in the Ann Arbor area and her choreography has been commissioned and presented throughout Southeast Michigan and Ohio. Ms. Hobbs is a former faculty member and guest choreographer at Eastern Michigan University and Bowling Green State University. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Dance Council and currently serves as Regional Representative. Ms. Hobbs is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level Three of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is currently Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Tower Dancers at Hillsdale College. To learn more about Ms. Hobbs please visit www.hollyhobbsdance.com.
Jillian Hopper (Rehearsal Director)
Jillian specializes in the creative work and technique of Doris Humphrey with the aim of preserving the dance for future generations as a trustee of The Doris Humphrey Foundation, UK. In addition to teaching at the University of Michigan, Hopper has taught Humphrey technique at Middlesex University (London, UK), The Place (London, UK) and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds, UK.) Jillian received her MFA Dance from the University of Michigan. Hopper trained at Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and Joel Hall Jazz Dance Chicago, later studying at Middlesex University, London UK where she gained a BA Hons in Dance Choreography. Her professional dance credits include Intimate Contenders and HR-Artworks London UK, in which she was a featured soloist. At the University of Michigan, Hopper performed in works by Jessica Fogel, Bill DeYoung, Amy Chavasse, and Peter Sparling, Sidra Bell and Monica Bill Barnes.
Jillian specializes in the creative work and technique of Doris Humphrey with the aim of preserving the dance for future generations as a trustee of The Doris Humphrey Foundation, UK. In addition to teaching at the University of Michigan, Hopper has taught Humphrey technique at Middlesex University (London, UK), The Place (London, UK) and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds, UK.) Jillian received her MFA Dance from the University of Michigan. Hopper trained at Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and Joel Hall Jazz Dance Chicago, later studying at Middlesex University, London UK where she gained a BA Hons in Dance Choreography. Her professional dance credits include Intimate Contenders and HR-Artworks London UK, in which she was a featured soloist. At the University of Michigan, Hopper performed in works by Jessica Fogel, Bill DeYoung, Amy Chavasse, and Peter Sparling, Sidra Bell and Monica Bill Barnes.
Yoshiko Iwai (Performer)
Yoshiko Iwai grew up in Irvine, California, where she began dancing and continued to train in classical ballet and modern dances when she moved to Kobe, Japan at age ten. She attended boarding school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program in Contemporary dance and performed works by Merce Cunningham, Shen Wei, Larry Keigwin, Lucinda Childs, and Kimberly Bartoskik.
A rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, Iwai is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and BCN (Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience) at the University of Michigan. She performed "Brisk Singing" by Richard Alston in Power Center and at the Michigan 5, festival in Berman. This is her first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Yoshiko Iwai grew up in Irvine, California, where she began dancing and continued to train in classical ballet and modern dances when she moved to Kobe, Japan at age ten. She attended boarding school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program in Contemporary dance and performed works by Merce Cunningham, Shen Wei, Larry Keigwin, Lucinda Childs, and Kimberly Bartoskik.
A rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, Iwai is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and BCN (Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience) at the University of Michigan. She performed "Brisk Singing" by Richard Alston in Power Center and at the Michigan 5, festival in Berman. This is her first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Monica Miller (Performer)
Monica Miller is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, originally from Chicago, IL. She is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and Political Science. This is her first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Monica Miller is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, originally from Chicago, IL. She is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and Political Science. This is her first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Paula Modaferri (Performer)
Paula Modafferi is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Performing Arts Management Sophomore at the University of Michigan. She received her original training at Ballet Chelsea and has since performed for Robin Wilson, Jessica Fogel, Melissa Beck, and numerous Screen Arts & Cultures/Master of Fine Arts students upon entering the Dance Department. This will be Paula's first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works and she is extremely grateful for the opportunity to share their choreography and artistry with all who were able to attend this year's show.
Paula Modafferi is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Performing Arts Management Sophomore at the University of Michigan. She received her original training at Ballet Chelsea and has since performed for Robin Wilson, Jessica Fogel, Melissa Beck, and numerous Screen Arts & Cultures/Master of Fine Arts students upon entering the Dance Department. This will be Paula's first time performing in Ann Arbor Dance Works and she is extremely grateful for the opportunity to share their choreography and artistry with all who were able to attend this year's show.
Jimi Nguyen (Performer)
Jimi Loc Nguyen is a graduate of the University of Michigan Department of Dance in the Class of 2015. Nguyen was born in Dong Nai, Vietnam, and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He began his dance training at the age of nineteen at UM, and during his studies he has been featured in works from Peter Sparling, Robin Wilson, Sandra Torijano, and Jessica Fogel. Nguyen has also performed in guest artists works such as Lucinda Childs’ Dance 1-5 along with Bill T. Jones’ D-man in the Waters concurrently with his efforts in completing his undergraduate degree. This is Nguyen's first season with Ann Arbor Dance Works, and he is excited for this experience and performance opportunity.
Jimi Loc Nguyen is a graduate of the University of Michigan Department of Dance in the Class of 2015. Nguyen was born in Dong Nai, Vietnam, and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He began his dance training at the age of nineteen at UM, and during his studies he has been featured in works from Peter Sparling, Robin Wilson, Sandra Torijano, and Jessica Fogel. Nguyen has also performed in guest artists works such as Lucinda Childs’ Dance 1-5 along with Bill T. Jones’ D-man in the Waters concurrently with his efforts in completing his undergraduate degree. This is Nguyen's first season with Ann Arbor Dance Works, and he is excited for this experience and performance opportunity.
Noie Porat (Performer)
Noie Porat is from Los Angeles, California. She will be going into her junior year as a dance major at The University of Michigan. At UM, she has performed in guest works by Robert Battle and Rosanna Tavarez. Noie is excited to partake in her first season performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Noie Porat is from Los Angeles, California. She will be going into her junior year as a dance major at The University of Michigan. At UM, she has performed in guest works by Robert Battle and Rosanna Tavarez. Noie is excited to partake in her first season performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Kasia Reilly (Performer)
Kasia is a rising junior from Milan, Michigan. While at the University, she has had the opportunity learn and perform works by faculty Peter Sparling and Sandra Torijano, as well as guest artists Richard Alston and Andrea Miller. This is her first season with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Kasia is a rising junior from Milan, Michigan. While at the University, she has had the opportunity learn and perform works by faculty Peter Sparling and Sandra Torijano, as well as guest artists Richard Alston and Andrea Miller. This is her first season with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
KC Shonk (Performer)
Kathryn "KC" Shonk is a rising junior at the University of Michigan originally from East China, MI. She is pursuing a degree in Dance with a minor in Business. This is her first season performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works. She has previously performed in Bill DeYoung's work.
Patty Solórzano (Performer)
Patty L. Solórzano (BFA Texas Christian University) originally from Morelia, México, received her early training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Webster, TX. After earning her BFA, Patty had the pleasure of dancing with Earthen Vessels: The Sandra Organ Dance Company and Psophonia Dance Company in Houston, TX. In 2011, she relocated to Michigan where she has danced for DDCdances, Kristi Faulkner Dance, and People Dancing. In addition, Patty has presented work and performed in Spain, St. Louis, Houston, Detroit, and most recently she had the honor of representing the University of Michigan Department of Dance at the 2015 American College Dance Association conference with her solo Greenings. Patty is a Master of Fine Arts in Dance candidate at the University of Michigan where she has performed in works by Jessica Fogel, Melissa Beck and Robin Wilson. This is her third season with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Patty L. Solórzano (BFA Texas Christian University) originally from Morelia, México, received her early training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Webster, TX. After earning her BFA, Patty had the pleasure of dancing with Earthen Vessels: The Sandra Organ Dance Company and Psophonia Dance Company in Houston, TX. In 2011, she relocated to Michigan where she has danced for DDCdances, Kristi Faulkner Dance, and People Dancing. In addition, Patty has presented work and performed in Spain, St. Louis, Houston, Detroit, and most recently she had the honor of representing the University of Michigan Department of Dance at the 2015 American College Dance Association conference with her solo Greenings. Patty is a Master of Fine Arts in Dance candidate at the University of Michigan where she has performed in works by Jessica Fogel, Melissa Beck and Robin Wilson. This is her third season with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Peter Sparling (Screen Dance Artist, Performer)
Peter Sparling is the Rudolf Arnheim Distinguished University Professor of Dance and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Dance at University of Michigan. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, Sparling was a member of the José Limón Dance Company and principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. He has performed and staged Graham's works all over the world and on PBS's Dance in America. He has had extensive experience as artistic director, (Peter Sparling Dance Company/Dance Gallery Foundation), choreographer, performer, teacher (U-M Distinguished Faculty Award, Governor's Michigan Artist Award), lecturer, video artist, writer (Ballet Review), collaborator, administrator (former chair, U-M Dance Department) and dance/arts consultant.
A videographer and teacher of screendance at U-M, his videodance Babel was selected for the 2007 New York Dance on Camera Festival, the 2008 American Dance Festival Dance Film & Video Festival and has toured the world. His made-for-TV work, Climbing Sainte-Victoire, was broadcast on Michigan Television in April 2009, and his screen dance, The Snowy Owl, was featured at the Short Film Corner of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. He has presented at Society of Dance History Scholars, Southeastern College Art Conference, and co-chaired Meanings and Makings of Queer Dance at U-M in 2012. He is resident artist at both U-M Life Sciences Institute and North Campus Research Complex. which houses his Pop-Up Projection Pavilion, a 3-screen video projection system. He lives with his partner, John Gutoskey, a visual artist.
Peter Sparling is the Rudolf Arnheim Distinguished University Professor of Dance and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Dance at University of Michigan. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, Sparling was a member of the José Limón Dance Company and principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. He has performed and staged Graham's works all over the world and on PBS's Dance in America. He has had extensive experience as artistic director, (Peter Sparling Dance Company/Dance Gallery Foundation), choreographer, performer, teacher (U-M Distinguished Faculty Award, Governor's Michigan Artist Award), lecturer, video artist, writer (Ballet Review), collaborator, administrator (former chair, U-M Dance Department) and dance/arts consultant.
A videographer and teacher of screendance at U-M, his videodance Babel was selected for the 2007 New York Dance on Camera Festival, the 2008 American Dance Festival Dance Film & Video Festival and has toured the world. His made-for-TV work, Climbing Sainte-Victoire, was broadcast on Michigan Television in April 2009, and his screen dance, The Snowy Owl, was featured at the Short Film Corner of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. He has presented at Society of Dance History Scholars, Southeastern College Art Conference, and co-chaired Meanings and Makings of Queer Dance at U-M in 2012. He is resident artist at both U-M Life Sciences Institute and North Campus Research Complex. which houses his Pop-Up Projection Pavilion, a 3-screen video projection system. He lives with his partner, John Gutoskey, a visual artist.
Sandra Torijano (Choreographer)
Sandra Torijano received her BA in dance at the National University of Costa Rica and danced in Danza Una, the resident professional company of the National University. Her principal teacher was Elena Gutierrez. Torijano then became a soloist with The National Dance Company of Costa Rica and toured extensively throughout Latin America, performing as a soloist in Fausto, Carmina Burana and The Soldier’s Tale, among others.
After coming to the U.S. in 1992, Torijano continued her career as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., working with Ann Arbor Dance Works, The Gyory Ballet Company of Hungary, The Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, National Institute of Fine Artes in Mexico, Steps on Broadway in New York, San Diego Dance Theatre, and Pointe Park University and the National Symphony of Costa Rica.
Torijano is also the recipient of several awards and grants for her choreography, including the National Prize of Costa Rica, Honorable Mention. In 2004, at the invitation of Nobel winner and President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, Torijano choreographed a solo that was performed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. She continues to collaborate with notable Costa Rican composers, choreographers and writers. Her choreography Amighetti was performed in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. Her current work for the National Dance Company of Costa Rica, entitled Poesies, was premiered in March and will have performances throughout Latin America. Torijano continues to work as a free-lance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad. received her BA in dance at the National University of Costa Rica and danced in Danza Una, the resident professional company of the National University. Her principal teacher was Elena Gutierrez. Torijano then became a soloist with The National Dance Company of Costa Rica and toured extensively throughout Latin America, performing as a soloist in Fausto, Carmina Burana and The Soldier’s Tale, among others.
After coming to the U.S. in 1992, Torijano continued her career as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., working with Ann Arbor Dance Works, The Gyory Ballet Company of Hungary, The Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, National Institute of Fine Artes in Mexico, Steps on Broadway in New York, San Diego Dance Theatre, and Pointe Park University and the National Symphony of Costa Rica.
Torijano is also the recipient of several awards and grants for her choreography, including the National Prize of Costa Rica, Honorable Mention. In 2004, at the invitation of Nobel winner and President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, Torijano choreographed a solo that was performed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. She continues to collaborate with notable Costa Rican composers, choreographers and writers. Her choreography Amighetti was performed in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. Her current work for the National Dance Company of Costa Rica, entitled Poesies, was premiered in March and will have performances throughout Latin America. Torijano continues to work as a free-lance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Sandra Torijano received her BA in dance at the National University of Costa Rica and danced in Danza Una, the resident professional company of the National University. Her principal teacher was Elena Gutierrez. Torijano then became a soloist with The National Dance Company of Costa Rica and toured extensively throughout Latin America, performing as a soloist in Fausto, Carmina Burana and The Soldier’s Tale, among others.
After coming to the U.S. in 1992, Torijano continued her career as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., working with Ann Arbor Dance Works, The Gyory Ballet Company of Hungary, The Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, National Institute of Fine Artes in Mexico, Steps on Broadway in New York, San Diego Dance Theatre, and Pointe Park University and the National Symphony of Costa Rica.
Torijano is also the recipient of several awards and grants for her choreography, including the National Prize of Costa Rica, Honorable Mention. In 2004, at the invitation of Nobel winner and President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, Torijano choreographed a solo that was performed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. She continues to collaborate with notable Costa Rican composers, choreographers and writers. Her choreography Amighetti was performed in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. Her current work for the National Dance Company of Costa Rica, entitled Poesies, was premiered in March and will have performances throughout Latin America. Torijano continues to work as a free-lance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad. received her BA in dance at the National University of Costa Rica and danced in Danza Una, the resident professional company of the National University. Her principal teacher was Elena Gutierrez. Torijano then became a soloist with The National Dance Company of Costa Rica and toured extensively throughout Latin America, performing as a soloist in Fausto, Carmina Burana and The Soldier’s Tale, among others.
After coming to the U.S. in 1992, Torijano continued her career as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer throughout Europe, Latin America and the U.S., working with Ann Arbor Dance Works, The Gyory Ballet Company of Hungary, The Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, National Institute of Fine Artes in Mexico, Steps on Broadway in New York, San Diego Dance Theatre, and Pointe Park University and the National Symphony of Costa Rica.
Torijano is also the recipient of several awards and grants for her choreography, including the National Prize of Costa Rica, Honorable Mention. In 2004, at the invitation of Nobel winner and President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, Torijano choreographed a solo that was performed for His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. She continues to collaborate with notable Costa Rican composers, choreographers and writers. Her choreography Amighetti was performed in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. Her current work for the National Dance Company of Costa Rica, entitled Poesies, was premiered in March and will have performances throughout Latin America. Torijano continues to work as a free-lance choreographer and teacher throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Ellen Wallace (Performer)
Ellen Wallace is currently a Junior from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although dance is Ellen’s main focus, she is also minoring in Performing Arts Management. She is excited to be performing in faculty works for the first time in Ann Arbor Dance Works this season.
Ellen Wallace is currently a Junior from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Although dance is Ellen’s main focus, she is also minoring in Performing Arts Management. She is excited to be performing in faculty works for the first time in Ann Arbor Dance Works this season.
Emily West (Performer)
Emily West grew up in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has trained at The Moving Company, Dance Dimensions, and West Michigan Dance Center. She is freshman at the University of Michigan pursuing a dual degree in Dance and Communications. At UM, she has performed in guest works by Robert Battle and Rosanna Tavarez. This is her first year performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works.
Robin Wilson (Choreographer/Performer)
Robin Wilson is best known as a founding member of the New York dance company Urban Bush Women. She performed in New York for more than a decade with such choreographers as Dianne McIntyre, Kevin Wynn and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. A member of Ann Arbor Dance Works, Wilson has performed at the New Orleans Dance Festival and the BAAD!Ass Women Festival in New York.
Wilson has taught workshops at Washington University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, New York State Summer School for the Arts, Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Urban Bush Women's Summer Leadership Institute, and in Suriname and Costa Rica. Her choreography has been commissioned by the Washington University Dance Theater, Metro Theatre Company, People Dancing, Happendance Company, Kentucky Arts Council, Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium and the Harlem Dance Foundation. She traveled to Ghana with the Michigan Gospel Chorale in 2008 where her choreography was performed at the Ghanaian National Theater.
Wilson has been an adjudicator for regional conferences and served on the National Board of Directors for the American College Dance Festival Association. She was a Kentucky Artist-in-Residence and was on the faculty of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts before joining U-M. She holds an MFA in Choreography from Temple University where she was a University Fellow.
Wilson has received grant support from various academic and corporate sponsors and arts councils, and was awarded the 1999 Maggie Allesee Award for New Choreography. She directs and performs with several liturgical dance ensembles and offers movement workshops for non-profit organizations and schools. She has organized student service projects in New Orleans and was a 2008 Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates Fellow. Wilson has presented papers at the Society of Dance History Scholars and the Congress for Research in Dance, and has written a chapter on African Diaspora Dance for the Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History. She continues to research this topic throughout the Caribbean and the Americas.
Robin Wilson is best known as a founding member of the New York dance company Urban Bush Women. She performed in New York for more than a decade with such choreographers as Dianne McIntyre, Kevin Wynn and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. A member of Ann Arbor Dance Works, Wilson has performed at the New Orleans Dance Festival and the BAAD!Ass Women Festival in New York.
Wilson has taught workshops at Washington University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, New York State Summer School for the Arts, Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Urban Bush Women's Summer Leadership Institute, and in Suriname and Costa Rica. Her choreography has been commissioned by the Washington University Dance Theater, Metro Theatre Company, People Dancing, Happendance Company, Kentucky Arts Council, Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium and the Harlem Dance Foundation. She traveled to Ghana with the Michigan Gospel Chorale in 2008 where her choreography was performed at the Ghanaian National Theater.
Wilson has been an adjudicator for regional conferences and served on the National Board of Directors for the American College Dance Festival Association. She was a Kentucky Artist-in-Residence and was on the faculty of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts before joining U-M. She holds an MFA in Choreography from Temple University where she was a University Fellow.
Wilson has received grant support from various academic and corporate sponsors and arts councils, and was awarded the 1999 Maggie Allesee Award for New Choreography. She directs and performs with several liturgical dance ensembles and offers movement workshops for non-profit organizations and schools. She has organized student service projects in New Orleans and was a 2008 Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates Fellow. Wilson has presented papers at the Society of Dance History Scholars and the Congress for Research in Dance, and has written a chapter on African Diaspora Dance for the Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History. She continues to research this topic throughout the Caribbean and the Americas.
Meredith Ziegelmeyer (Performer)
Meredith Ziegelmeyer is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan. She is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and Evolutionary Anthropology. Ziegelmeyer is originally from Hebron, KY. This is her first time performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works. She has previously performed in works by Sandra Torijano, Richard Alston, Robert Battle, and Rosanna Tavarez.
Meredith Ziegelmeyer is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan. She is pursuing a dual degree in Dance and Evolutionary Anthropology. Ziegelmeyer is originally from Hebron, KY. This is her first time performing with Ann Arbor Dance Works. She has previously performed in works by Sandra Torijano, Richard Alston, Robert Battle, and Rosanna Tavarez.