Original works by Appalachian students selected for Dance Association Conference

View larger image — Raquelle Pollock and Nisha Jackson, both senior dance studies majors at Appalachian State University, have been selected to have their choreographic works adjudicated during the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Regional American Dance Association Conference in West Virginia. Pictured here is Pollock’s “Rememory,” a piece about the people that we carry along with us in our memories, as well as the conversations we have had with them. Photo credit: Jamille Wallick

Posted March 4, 2016 at 6:14 p.m.

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 Appalachian.

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 Appalachian dancers, at the Fall 2015 Appalachian Dance Ensemble Concert.

Pollock’s “Rememory” has a cast of five dancers 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.

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance is housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Its mission is to provide liberal arts educational opportunities along with B.A. degrees in dance studies and theatre arts. The department also values the opportunity to offer coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Vital to the support of this mission is a dynamic co-curricular production program that provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community and the region. The departmental philosophy is to support the university’s liberal arts environment through a balanced and integrated emphasis on teaching, creative activity, scholarship and service. For more information, visit http://theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.