IDEAS IN MOTION
Samantha Speis (left) and Mustapha Braimah (right) working with students from The University of Akron during 21st Century Dance Practices, part of the Ideas in Motion initiative. Photos by Dale Dong.
The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron) and The University of Akron School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration (DTAA) are proud to announce Ideas in Motion, a joint initiative supported by NCCAkron, The University of Akron, The University of Akron Foundation, and the Mary Schiller Myers Lecture Series in the Arts.
The first rollout of this three-pronged initiative is a new survey series called 21st Century Dance Practices, with classes led by some of the most exciting dance artists working today. Each spring beginning in 2020, artists will guest teach through DTAA’s course offerings.
The Spring 2020 artists were Samantha Speis, Brian Brooks, Raja Feather Kelly, Guillaume Gabriel, James Graham, Mustapha Braimah, Paloma McGregor, Nicole Klaymoon, and Taja Will.
Our Spring 2021 artists are Amy Miller, Jesse Factor, Bridgman|Packer, Bebe Miller, Paula Mann, Helen Simoneau, New Dialect, and Abby Zbikowski.
“By partnering with NCCAkron on Ideas in Motion, The University of Akron DTAA can responsively augment the curriculum in a way that we wouldn’t be able to do alone. We look forward to the continuation of this initiative and our collaboration to strengthen and diversify The University of Akron’s dance program,” says Dr. Marc Reed, Director of The University of Akron’s School of Music and School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration.
An ongoing series of interviews with 21st Century Dance Practices artists, titled Inside the Dancer’s Studio, is open to all. This series of free lunchtime talks explores creativity, the craft of choreography, and navigating an artistic career. Click here to learn more about Inside the Dancer's Studio.
The second rollout of this initiative is an annual Community Commissioning Residency. For 2020-21, this residency has been awarded to Cara Hagan (Boone, NC). Hagan was selected for her choreographic research involving working in film, social justice activism, and community engagement.
For more on Ideas in Motion, read our press release on the second season here.