BOONE—Choreographic work by two students in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Appalachian State University has been selected for adjudication during the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference March 18–21 at West Virginia University in Morganton. The students, Nisha Jackson and Raquelle Pollock, are both senior dance studies majors at ASU.
Jackson's work “Pendulum” is a semi-autobiographical exploration of the emotional stages in the Pisces zodiac sign. "I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to show my work to other dancers outside of Boone,” said Jackson. “It will be a learning opportunity and I look forward to growing as a choreographer." Jackson presented the piece, which has a cast of eight dancers (Erin Brathwaite, Jordan Ballard, Alaina Brown, Montana Bright, Brielle Cornacchio, Jason Dawkins, Sarah Quinn and Makaleigh Smith), at the Fall 2015 Appalachian Dance Ensemble Concert.
Pollock's “Rememory” has a cast of five dancers (Erin Brathwaite, Samantha Hunter, Zoe Reddig, Natalie Willmschen and Katie Woodruff) and focuses on the people and conversations that we carry with us in our memories. "I'm excited and nervous to take my work to be adjudicated at ACDA,” said Pollock. “It's an amazing learning experience and I'm just thankful to the ASU Department of Theatre and Dance for giving me this opportunity to grow outside our university setting."
In addition to the adjudication of their work, the choreographers and dancers will also attend master classes, discussions and concerts during the four-day conference.
“Dance students are able to learn and grow in a multitude of ways when they have the opportunity to attend ACDA,” remarked Associate Professor of Dance Studies Laurie Atkins. “ACDA provides multiple opportunities through master classes, performances and adjudication sessions with professional dance artists."
The American College Dance Association’s primary focus is to support and promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. The regional conferences are a primary venue for student and faculty dancers to perform outside their academic setting and provide a unique opportunity for dancers to have their work adjudicated by a panel of nationally recognized professionals. Many conferences culminate with the presentation of pieces chosen for their exemplary artistic quality. ACDA also sponsors the National College Dance Festival, a biennial event that showcases works selected from each regional conference. The festival is usually presented at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and will be held in late spring of this year.
"Pendulum" by choreographer Nisha Jackson
"Pendulum" by choreographer Nisha Jackson. Photo by Jamille Wallick.