BOONE, N.C. — The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance celebrates the return of its popular Summer Dance Series (SDS) of free community classes, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. during June in the department’s Varsity Gym dance studios.
This year’s SDS kicks off on Tuesday, June 2, with an African Dance class taught by App State dance faculty member Sherone Price. Other planned classes throughout the month include sessions in modern dance, Pilates, ballet, Latin dance, musical theatre dance, flamenco basics, creative movement, and movement games. All levels of students ages 10 and up are welcome to participate in classes, and dancers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Campus parking is available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck, and is free after 5:00 pm.
The initial idea of a Summer Dance Series was formed in 2000 by Regina Gulick, SDS Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in the Department. It began as a simple exchange of classes between Gulick and a colleague, and it gradually expanded to include other teachers, summer school students and friends who wanted to teach and participate in these dance classes.
Sherone Price teaches an African dance class in a previous Summer Dance Series
In 2006, Gulick formalized SDS for the first time by inviting people of diverse dance backgrounds to share their ideas and experiences in the university’s studios. From the beginning, SDS focused on community classes at no cost to the public. Teachers volunteer their time, and donations are accepted to benefit App State dance students' conference travel and tuition scholarships. Following a six-year hiatus initiated by the COVID pandemic, SDS has returned to App State’s campus this year.
App State professor Kevin Warner says, “SDS is a key outreach program in our department, and we’re all happy to see its return. It clearly addresses a primary goal of the Theatre and Dance Department: to provide high-quality dance experiences for departmental students, the wider University community, and the High Country region. We’re grateful for Regina’s vision and leadership!”
To learn more and to receive an email with the weekly line-up of teachers, class descriptions, directions, and maps, contact Regina Gulick at jamesrg@appstate.edu.
Media contact:
P.J. Wirchansky
wirchanskypj@appstate.edu
828-262-7249
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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. 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.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,795 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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Summer Dance Series 2026 thumbnail