Join us for an enchanting exploration of movement and artistry at a captivating FREE dance workshop presented by the Temple Dance Department. Following this engaging experience, immerse yourself in an exclusive dance concert also hosted by the Temple Dance Department.

Experience the artistry and innovation of Temple faculty and students as they showcase their mesmerizing dance creations in the heart of New York City at Gibney Dance Studio, located at 53A Chambers St, New York, NY 10007.

Reserve your spot for this extraordinary free event by emailing xiang.xu@temple.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there for an unforgettable celebration of dance and creativity!

Event Details:

Free Dance Workshop
Location: Studio U
Date and Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 12:00 PM

In this workshop, emphasis is placed on the ability to adopt Chinese bodily aesthetics:  three bodily curves, the center of gravity moving close to the ground, and internal energy—Qi. You will learn how to use internal breath to control physicality and expand your movement capabilities, which will aid your artistic growth as performers and your knowledge of the Chinese traditional bodily cultures behind these movements.

Show (Free Admission)
Location: Studio H
Date and Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 3:00 PM

Featured Performances:

1. Becoming
Student Choreographer: Mackenzie Barnett-Mcnab
Performers: Mackenzie Barnett-Mcnab, Brea Harris, Abria Holt, Nadia Urena, Jazlyn Tan, Michaela Delaney Guthrie, Olivia Mohsen, Lily Santana, Jamie Chen, Claire Schlutt, Alicia Mears, Dyn Jeanne Marie Garcia 
Composers: “Tomb” by Richard Pryn and “Horizon” by Garth Stevenson
Costume Design: Mackenzie Barnett-Mcnab
About Becoming: Becoming is about the journey of growth. The frustration, confusion, and anxiety that comes with change resulting in the acceptance of a new journey 

2. Prim and Proper

Faculty Choreographers: Jillian Harris and Marie Brown
Performers: Jillian Harris and Marie Brown
Composers: Low Probability of a Hug (Siron)
Costume Design: Jillian Harris and Marie Brown

This live, multimedia dance piece interrogates female stereotypes through the metaphor of the chimera, a mythical creature composed of incongruous parts. The duet abstracts the tension within a patriarchal culture in which women must shapeshift to accommodate the expectations of those in power while struggling to maintain a sense of inner coherence. In its construction, the piece employs a new method and creation model titled R.E.A.L. (Relational Embodied Active Learning) developed by Prof. Harris as well as RE:Flex, a digital warping and morphing application.  With the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, the autonomy of the female body is no longer certain, making this chimera image even more potent. Like the chimera, the “perfect woman”, one who meets often conflicting societal definitions is a mythical creature.  

A portion of this project was funded by a Vice Provost for the Arts Grant from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 

3. Nocturne
Faculty Choreographer: Xiang Xu
Performers: Akino Leeann Lessey, Alicia Mears, Claire Schlutt, Dyn Jeanne Marie Garcia, Esmeralda Luciano, Jazlyn Tan, Jena Barton, Jamie Chen, Karly Elizabeth Meehan, Lily Santana, Michaela Delaney Guthrie, Nadia Urena, Venrick D James, Olivia Mohsen Alsamadj, Longxuan Lian
Composers: Frederic Chopin, Schumann Schubert
Costume Design: Xiang Xu

About Nocturne: The perception of separation has long been a cornerstone of our understanding, delineating individuals from one another, matter from spirit, and humans from nature. This worldview casts us as discrete and distinct entities, existing within an objective universe governed by forces, masses, atoms, and the void. However, the profound truth lies in the fact that everything, at its core, is composed of stardust, rendering the universe a tapestry woven from the same cosmic fabric. This unity, though often elusive in our perception, is a foundational tenet of existence.

Join us for an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and artistic expression.

TEMPLE DANCE DEPARTMENT

The Temple Dance Department is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive learning atmosphere that values both artistic and scholarly excellence. Rooted in the belief that dance is a powerful mode of expression and exploration, our faculty and students engage in embodied practices that honor tradition while also pushing the boundaries of creativity and knowledge. We recognize the transformative potential of the body in motion and encourage our students to explore how dance contributes to understanding, shapes our social environments, and fosters community engagement.

Undergraduate Programs:

•    Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: Develop technical proficiency and artistic versatility through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing modern dance, ballet, African dance, and elective courses in various styles.

•    Dance Certificate (Undergraduate): Enhance your dance skills and knowledge with a focused program covering African dance, ballet, hip hop, and conditioning electives in yoga or pilates.

•    Performing Arts Certificate (Undergraduate): Explore interdisciplinary connections in movement, poetry, film, and music with elective options in film, media, and musical ensembles.

Graduate Programs:

•    Master of Arts (MA) in Dance: Engage in cultural, creative, and educational studies through experiential learning, theoretical inquiry, and a thesis project, preparing for doctoral studies and professional roles in pedagogy, research, and creative processes.

•    Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: Refine your artistic vision and technical skills, emphasizing mastery of craft, interdisciplinary perspectives, and personal artistic development.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Dance: Conduct advanced research in dance through seminars, symposia, and rigorous advising, with a focus on creating new knowledge and integrating disciplines for innovative contributions to the field.