We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Ray Miller (Theatre & Dance) has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Researcher Award by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). This prestigious accolade recognizes those who push the boundaries of dance education through creative and scholarly research. With more than 4,200 members nationwide, NDEO is the leading voice for dance educators—from early childhood programs to university faculty—and Dr. Miller’s selection underscores his impact on the field.
A Scholar Who Dances Between Disciplines
Dr. Miller’s work weaves together pedagogical innovation and deep historical inquiry. His research focuses on:
- Teaching and learning dance histories in the classroom
- The evolution of dance within American musical theatre
In 2023, Routledge published his landmark book Dance on the American Musical Theatre Stage: A History, and he’s contributed chapters to The Oxford Handbooks of Dance & Theater and Shakespeare & Dance, The Encyclopedia of Theater and American Culture, and Jazz Dance: Roots and Branches. His articles appear in top journals like Dance Research Journal, Theatre Journal, and Studies in Musical Theatre.
From Stage Direction to Conference Keynotes
Dr. Miller’s creative résumé spans more than 200 productions. On Broadway-adjacent stages and regional theaters alike, he’s directed and choreographed beloved musicals—Grease, Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors—and thought-provoking plays including Hamlet and Masterpieces (about the Brontë family). His global footprint includes the Southeastern premiere of Lies and Legends in Atlanta and a rock-opera revival in New York City.
He has also shaped the future of dance scholarship through service:
- President, Congress on Research in Dance (2006–2008)
- Vice President for Professional Development, Dance Studies Association (2017–2019)
- Speaker at major gatherings: Dance Studies Association, CORD, the LILLY Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching, and more
What the NDEO Award Means
“As dance educators, we stand on the shoulders of giants—but it’s our responsibility to build new pathways,” says Dr. Miller. “I’m honored that NDEO sees my work as part of that journey.” His award-winning research not only documents dance history but also offers fresh teaching strategies that empower educators and students alike.
NDEO’s mission of #DanceEducationforALL aligns perfectly with Dr. Miller’s commitment to accessibility. From developing innovative curricula to mentoring emerging scholars, he embodies the organization’s dedication to advancing dance education across genres and generations.
About the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) is the leading non-profit dedicated to supporting dance educators in every setting and genre. Since 1998, NDEO has partnered with top dance, arts-education, and policy organizations to secure a seat at the table in national conversations, delivering innovative professional development programs and disseminating vital research that shapes teaching practices from early childhood studios to university stages. With more than 4,200 members across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and over 25 countries, NDEO champions "Dance Education for ALL."
About the Department of Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance’s mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu.
Dr. Ray Miller 2025
Dr. Ray Miller 2025