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Mason’s School of Dance Presents Annual Gala Concert at the Center for the Arts

Zoe Harr — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:02:31 +0000

Mason’s School of Dance Presents Annual Gala Concert at the Center for the Arts Zoe Harr Thu, 02/22/2024 - 15:02

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College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Dance

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Amanda Snellings

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School of Dance students rehearse Robert Battle’s “Awakening” for Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert.
(Photo Credit: Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications/��AV)

��AV’s School of Dance presents the 2024 Mason School of Dance Gala Concert on March 22 and 23, celebrating a rich array of diverse choreographic voices that span from the early days of modern dance to the freshest perspectives of today. As such, this year’s program showcases Mason’s School of Dance students in four varied works by well-known choreographers and dance educators Kyle Abraham (Drive), Rena Butler (This, That, and the Third), Martha Graham (Steps in the Street), and Susan Shields (Visions and Miracles).

“We are thrilled to present this year's Mason Dance Company Gala Concert performances, featuring works by such renowned choreographers including our very own Susan Shields,” said Director of the Mason School of Dance Karen Reedy. A hallmark of our program is our strong connection to the professional field. Our dancers grow tremendously through working closely in residency with these important dance artists. They heighten their professionalism, make connections for their careers, and truly grow from students to artists. We invite audiences to join us to witness the stunning results of our dancers’ hard work. For those who would like to take their support of the School of Dance a step further, we hope to see you at the Mason Dance Fête on March 23.”

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performed at the Center on February 17. (Photo Credit: Courtesy A.I.M by Kyle Abraham)

Commissioned for New York City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival in 2017, Kyle Abraham’s Drive is a memory-infused piece celebrating the ecstasy of a dance club. Abraham has shared that his origins in dance began in the club world when he was a teenager growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This personal experience inspired the high-energy propulsive work set to club beats, which features an ensemble of eight dancers. This performance is staged by Jae Neal. In addition to Abraham’s piece being included in Mason’s School of Dance Gala, Abraham’s contemporary dance company, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, is a 2023/2024 Mason Artist-in-Residence which included masterclasses with Mason School of Dance students and the local community prior to their performance at the Center for the Arts on February 17.

Rena Butler’s This, That, and the Third premiered in 2019 as part of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Forge Forward program. The work explores themes of otherness and code-switching. Over 23 minutes, Butler introduces each member of the six-person cast through distinctive solos and intimate duets. The result is a powerful piece in which the ensemble finds connection through shared experience, revealing the power of multiplicity and a progressive future. This performance is staged by Rena Butler and Madison Pineda. For a special preview of Butler’s piece, watch the video below.

Premiered at New York City’s Guild Theater in 1936—as part of a larger piece entitled Chronicle—Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street was created in response to the rise of fascism in Europe. The rhythmic piece is performed by 12 women, who depict the tragedy and isolation of war through a new dance vocabulary developed by the iconic Graham. The original program notes from the full work’s premiere reads, “Chronicle does not attempt to show the actualities of war; rather, by evoking war’s images, it sets forth the fateful prelude to war, portrays the devastation of spirit which it leaves in its wake, and suggests an answer.” The piece is staged by Elizabeth Auclair.

This piece will also be featured in ��AV’s Center of the Arts’ Martha Graham Dance Company performance on April 13.

Mason School of Dance Professor, Susan Shields.

A joyous and colorful celebration of music, Susan Shields’ Visions and Miracles will remind audiences that spring is right around the corner. The large ensemble piece debuted in 2012 as part of The Juilliard School’s “New Dances” project. Set to a lively score by composer Christopher Theofanidis, Shields choreography resonates with vibrancy and serves as a metaphor for Mason’s emerging young performers as they embark on their journeys. Shields is an alumna of, and currently a professor in, Mason’s School of Dance. This piece is staged by Shields and assistants Lauren Ciccolini and Nateisha Reaves.

Prior to the March 23 performance, supporters will attend the Mason Dance Fête at 5:30 p.m. in the deLaski Performing Arts Building. This intimate benefit event is a special celebration of Mason’s School of Dance faculty and students. Guests will enjoy open studio demonstrations of works by leading choreographers, including those featured in the Gala Concert program, as well as a food-and-drink reception. All net proceeds from the Mason Dance Fête go toward Mason School of Dance student scholarship funds. The event is co-chaired by Kimberly K. Eby and Julia G. Morelli and Platinum Sponsors of the event are Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd. To learn more about the hard work and art created by Mason School of Dance, watch the video below.

Witness the impressive future of dance and purchase tickets to Mason School of Dance Gala Concert on March 22 and 23. For sponsorship inquiries and questions about Mason Dance Fête, please contact Amanda Snellings at 703-993-1593.

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International dance conference offers Mason students unique performance and networking opportunities

Shayla Brown — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:55:01 +0000

International dance conference offers Mason students unique performance and networking opportunities Shayla Brown Wed, 02/14/2024 - 14:55

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College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

As Lawrence Jackson, a ��AV School of Dance professor, watched four of his students performing on stage at the annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance, he said, “It was a moment of validation.”

“The performance illustrated the effectiveness of Mason’s dance program and our commitment to fostering, nurturing, and showcasing talent from the next generation of dance artists,” he said.

A photo of Mason's School of Dance students performing at the 2024 International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance. Photo provided.

The conference was hosted Jan. 24-28 in Memphis, Tenn., by the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD). The association and its conferences serve as vital platforms for promoting excellence, fostering collaboration, and advancing the visibility of Black dance within the broader dance community and society. 

The association holds significant importance as a prominent organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the contributions of Black dance artists and professionals. Mason students who participated include first-year to senior Dance majors.

“This is the first time that Mason’s School of Dance has ever gone to an IABD conference, so I’m really grateful and excited to be a part of that,” said sophomore dance major Sanaa Fairley.

Their performance, which was part of the Youth and College Artists Performance “Love for the Rhythm,” was choreographed by senior Brianna Dawkins.

“It was extremely important for me because it was my first time representing myself as a professional choreographer,” said Dawkins, who is an arts management minor.

The conference gave students opportunities to showcase their skills and network with current professionals in their field.

After their performance, the Mason students received invitations to audition for different dance companies, said Dawkins. “That was really amazing because we all walked out of the theater with these new opportunities,” Dawkins said.

“There are so many valuable experiences like classes and panels held by masters in their field,” said Fairley. For example, the students all took a West African dance class that was offered to attendees. “That [class] was really grounding and allowed me as an artist to see what inspiration I could pull from other people and cultures.”

“We really tried to soak up as much knowledge as we could, especially as younger dancers learning from our older peers and making those connections.”

The students compared the conference atmosphere to a family reunion.

“I saw people that I've danced with in previous summer intensives and reconnected with teachers that I've trained with. I also met directors of companies which is important for potential future jobs,” said Dawkins.

This performance was freshman Jaelyn Perkins’ first at an IABD conference as a college student.

“It was amazing to be able to share that space with so many Black artists and having that sense of community. There are endless accessible opportunities for Black dancers at this conference,” said Perkins.

Mason's dance program contributes to these experiences by consistently facilitating connections between students and professionals in the industry, said Jackson. Throughout the academic year, students are routinely exposed to opportunities within the field, such as networking events and internships.

“Through my experiences here at Mason, there are so many professional opportunities like this conference. I felt so empowered being around so many successful Black dancers,” said sophomore dance major T’aja Williams. “It was a constant reminder of what my capability can look like and the possibility of being successful.”

Overall, the trip was a huge success, Jackson said.

“I would love to make it an annual or biennial trip. The School of Dance maintains a commitment to providing enriching experiences that align with the educational mission of the dance program and I think attendance at IABD helps facilitate that commitment,” he said.

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Mason Artist-in-Residence A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Leads Events Across Campus and Community

Zoe Harr — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 20:40:32 +0000

Mason Artist-in-Residence A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Leads Events Across Campus and Community Zoe Harr Mon, 01/08/2024 - 15:40

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performs at the Center on February 17. (Photo credit: Steven Pisano; Dancer: Donovan Reed).

On February 17, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham presents works by acclaimed choreographers, as well as its artistic director and MacArthur Genius Award-winning choreographer Kyle Abraham, in an evening of visionary works using various dance and music styles that uncover the relationships between identity, history, and geography.

In a 2023 New York Times article, the company’s goals are emphasized, stating, “Kyle Abraham has a mission—and it’s bigger than himself. He likes to spread the love with his company, A.I.M., and, in doing so, broaden the viewer’s experience of what a dance concert by a choreographer-led company can be."

This Black-led contemporary dance company aims to create a body of dance-based work that is galvanized by Black culture and history while promoting the power of dance and diverse perspectives.

“As an artist born in the late 1970s, I’ve experienced a change in society that brings me hope. My choreography is a reflection of that hope, but also lives in the reality of my experiences and the cultural work that still needs to be done,” says Kyle Abraham, artistic director.

Want to learn more about A.I.M by Kyle Abraham’s mission and core values? Read more on the company’s official website.

As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham company members will also work with the community through classes and workshops surrounding the performance, which are detailed below.

In a classroom visit to Mason School of Dance’s “Senior Synthesis” course taught by instructor Susan Shields, senior dance students will be joined by A.I.M company members and discuss career opportunities, professional development, and advice, through the lens of A.I.M company members lived experiences.
The company will engage with the students of Mason’s African and African American Studies (AAAS) program.
City of Fairfax Theatre Company members and A.I.M artists collaborate in a workshop titled “Unifying Uniqueness.” Part conversation and part movement workshop, “Unifying Uniqueness” investigates the ideologies surrounding uniqueness and likenesses in each participant. Led by A.I.M company members, students of all levels will learn phrases of material from A.I.M repertory; engage in a dialogue centered around early memories; and integrate movement with ideas of perception, family, and freedom.
A.I.M. company members will lead an A.I.M Movement Workshop with local high school students at Fairfax Academy and Colgan High School, as well as Mason School of Dance students and Washington, D.C.’s Dance Place adult students of both intermediate and advanced skill level.

In addition to these special residency events, a pre-performance discussion with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Rehearsal Director Jessica Tong will take place on Monson Grand Tier prior to the performance on February 17. The discussion will be moderated by School of Dance faculty member, Lawrence M. Jackson.

Get tickets today and experience “one of the most consistently excellent troupes working today” (New York Times), A.I.M by Kyle Abraham on February 17.

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Susan Shields

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Learn About Mason's Artist in Residence Program

Black History Month at the Center for the Arts

The A.I.M by Kyle Abraham residency is part of February Black History Month events at the Center for the Arts. Read more about the offerings.

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Mason researchers study physical and mental demands on collegiate dancers

Colleen Rich — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:39:32 +0000

Mason researchers study physical and mental demands on collegiate dancers Colleen Rich Wed, 01/03/2024 - 12:39

Researchers at ��AV’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and College of Visual and Performing Arts are studying the intricate world of collegiate dance as they try to develop a better understanding of the physical and mental demands placed on dance majors.

Jatin Ambegaonkar and team conducting their annual assessments with first-year dance majors in 2018. These assessments are part of the ongoing work SHARe consortium via Mason's SMART Laboratory. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The research team is led by Jatin Ambegaonkar, a professor in the Athletic Training Education Program within Mason’s School of Kinesiology, Mason doctoral candidate Kelley Wiese, and Jena Hansen-Honeycutt, the athletic trainer for the School of Dance.

This study, funded by a grant from the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association, will allow the researchers to call attention to the rigorous nature of this art form and how it can impact the well-being of performers. In so doing, they hope to increase awareness of the health needs of collegiate dancers.

The study will include an assessment of the physical activity demands and sleep quality among 30 to 40 Mason dance majors, as measured by data collected from wearable biosensors, and an analysis of self-reported perceptions involving physical and mental workload, fatigue, and sleep within the same demographic. The researchers believe that an assessment of the sleep habits and workload endured by these performers will elucidate the complexities of the physical and mental strains experienced by collegiate dancers and provide crucial information to clinicians, educators, dance programs, and the dancers themselves.

The study will include an assessment of the physical activity demands and sleep quality among 30 to 40 Mason dance majors, as measured by data collected from wearable biosensors. Photo by Jena Hansen-Honeycutt/School of Dance

While dance offers physical and psychosocial benefits to an estimated 11 million participants in the United States, an alarming 85% of dancers suffer injuries annually, underscoring the vital need for specialized care.

Weise, who is pursuing a PhD in Education with a kinesiology concentration, is dancer and performer herself, which led to her interest in performing arts medicine. “My personal passion for performing arts aligned with the desire to provide quality care for performers,” she said. She added that this understanding, cultivated through her personal experiences on stage, provides her with insights into the physical and psychological demands of artists during training, rehearsals, and recovery.

“Our mission is injury prevention and performance enhancement, extending dancers’ careers,” said Ambegaonkar, who is also associate dean for research in CEHD’s Office of Research Development. “Our findings will enable stakeholders to tailor training, recovery, and participation considerations to accommodate the fluctuating demands experienced throughout the year.”

Ambegaonkar anticipates the study also will illustrate the importance of on-site access to qualified health care professionals who are dedicated to monitoring and supporting the unique needs of this specialized group of aesthetic athletes.

For Ambegaonkar, his lead role in the current study is representative of the dedication and commitment he has exhibited throughout his career in seeking to expand the body of scientific knowledge pertaining to dancers’ risk of injury—a mission he embarked on when he first started working at Mason in 2006. His ethos of “Health for Dancers, Dance for Health,” gave rise to a pioneering consortium established in 2018, Supporting Healthy Arts Research (SHARe), aimed at holistically addressing dancers’ health needs.

To this end, he believes that this area of research holds the promise to unlock crucial insights that could significantly impact the training, recovery, and overall care provided to collegiate dancers and which could lead to enhanced support and understanding within the performing arts.

Learn more about the SMART Lab

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How ��AV became a draw for the biggest names in contemporary dance

Katarina Benson — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:08:58 +0000

How ��AV became a draw for the biggest names in contemporary dance Katarina Benson Thu, 10/19/2023 - 16:08

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ARTS by George! 2023 Raises More than $275,000 to Support Mason Arts

Zoe Harr — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:25:00 +0000

ARTS by George! 2023 Raises More than $275,000 to Support Mason Arts Zoe Harr Tue, 10/10/2023 - 10:25

CVPA Dean Rick Davis holds Fund-A-Student auction prior to the evening's concert. Credit: Risdon Photography.

ARTS by George! returned on Saturday, September 30, 2023, hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at ��AV. The benefit event, which was headlined by GRAMMY and Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, raised more than $275,000 for student scholarships in visual arts, dance, music, theater, game design, film, arts management, as well as for the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. With donations still coming in, ARTS by George! has raised more than $4.1 million for the arts at Mason since the event began in 2006.

The event gave students and faculty from each discipline an opportunity to present behind-the-scenes showcases, film screenings, performances, and interactive experiences. Programming was held in eight open studios, venues, and rehearsal halls across Mason’s Fairfax campus, with beverage and cuisine stations offered throughout.

“ARTS by George! 2023 is in the books, and one for the books,” remarks CVPA Dean Rick Davis. “Thanks to a considerable village, this edition was quite possibly the most uplifting, free-flowing, artistically engaging version of this storied tradition. A hearty thanks to all the students, faculty, staff, and volunteers who made it work better than ever, and to Renée Elise Goldsberry for a generous, inspiring concert and toast, and to our patrons, donors, sponsors, and supporters of all kinds for whom we do the work.”

During the evening’s showcases, guests flowed in and out of three buildings on the Fairfax Campus: deLaski Performing Arts Building, Harris Theatre, and Horizon Hall. Inside deLaski, students from the Dewberry School of Music dazzled the crowd with the powerful voices of Mason Opera students or the impressive instrumental skills ranging from piano to wind symphony. The Dewberry School of Music didn’t stop the beat all night, with talented instrumental and vocal musicians presenting piano, jazz, and opera selections during the nearly two hours of student showcases.

Mason Community Arts Academy perform selections from Newsies. Credit: Risdon Photography.

Just down the hall, students from the Mason Community Arts Academy presented previews of their work and in a separate room, Film at Mason played selections on an array of television screens, inviting patrons to see what students had created in the program. In another wing of deLaski, emerging professionals of the Mason School of Dance performed to packed houses. With both intimate dance performances, as well as the Mason School of Dance’s collaboration with the Dewberry School of Music in their revival of “Come Sunday,” rooms were frequently filled shoulder to shoulder with enthusiastic audience members.

As guests made their way out of deLaski across the Johnson Center Plaza, they were enticed into Harris Theater by the sounds of Mason School of Theater students. Alternating their time on the Harris stage, students astonished the crowd with songs from their upcoming production of 9 to 5 The Musical as well as a student-written one-act play by Dyllan Hutchinson entitled “So, Two Spies Walk Into a Restaurant,” which premiered earlier in The Originals! this September. More music flowed from the amphitheater space between Harris and Horizon Hall, where Green Machine’sFife and Drum ensemble as well as Green & Gold Soul, joined by dance group Emerald Desire, kept energies high as guests ambled along the walkway into Horizon Hall.

Mason School of Theater students (left to right) Kamy Satterfield, Sarah Stewart, Emma Harris, Lexi Carter, Aiden Breneman-Pennas, and Brett Womack join Renée Elise Goldsberry on stage during the evening's concert. Credit: Risdon Photography.

Inside Horizon Hall, Mason’s Computer Game Design program and Virginia Serious Game Institute created mini studios inside the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX), where guests explored a change of scenery with actual reality and virtual reality headsets. Also in the MIX, the School of Art and Mason Exhibitions gave guests a chance to play with printing, personalizing a postcard they could take with them as a memento of their experience, while elsewhere in the space, Mason Computer Game Design and Mason Exhibitions invited visitors to play selections from the 2023 Progress@Play Competition and Master of Art in Teaching students demonstrated 3D printing. In addition to the buffet within Horizon, Mason Exhibition’s Metamorphosis, an exhibition created by Mason faculty, decorated the space and a Dewberry School of Music student played guitar in the seating area to round out the spectacular mood in the space.

Dewberry School of Music alumni flutist Eduardo Fajardo. Credit: Risdon Photography.

After the showcases, guests transitioned to the Center for the Arts for a live Fund-A-Student Raise the Paddle event, which brought in more than $36,000 towards the total raised, prior to the performance by Renée Elise Goldsberry. Guests and concert-goers were also treated to Dewberry School of Music piano student Kai Shi and School of Music alumni flutist Eduardo Fajardo in a performance paired with personal anecdotes about the importance of student scholarships.

Capping off the evening, Renée Elise Goldsberry performed a concert culminating in multiple standing ovations, an explosive encore, and multiple sing-along moments from Hamilton fans in the exhilarated audience. Interspersed with personal anecdotes, Goldsberry emphasized the importance of student scholarships and love for young artists, noting that she started as one herself. For her final number of the evening, Goldsberry invited Mason School of Theater students Kamy Satterfield, Sarah Stewart, Emma Harris, Lexi Carter, Aiden Breneman-Pennas, and Brett Womack to join her on stage in a medley from the musical Rent. With tears and shining smiles, the students bowed with Goldsberry stepping back to gesture to the students with a proud expression on her face.

Renée Elise Goldsberry and Rick Davis lead a champagne toast on stage. Credit: Risdon Photography.

After the show, Goldsberry and Davis ended the night with a champagne toast on stage for donors, students, and George Mason faculty. Goldsberry reimagined Hamilton’s “Satisfied,” singing, “A toast to ARTS by George! and ��AV. To the donors and the teachers who are always by your side. To the students and the hope that you provide, may you always be satisfied!"

See more images from the event by visiting a gallery of images.

ARTS by George! has raised more than $4.1 million since it began in 2006, with net proceeds going toward student scholarships and community arts programs.

It’s not too late to contribute! Make a difference in the lives of Mason Arts students, staff, faculty, community arts partners, as well as arts lovers of all ages in the region. For more information, please visit the CVPA website.

View Images from ARTS by George! 2023

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ‘awakens’ School of Dance students at Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert

Shayla Brown — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:16:59 +0000

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ‘awakens’ School of Dance students at Mason’s 2023 Gala Concert Shayla Brown Fri, 04/07/2023 - 11:16

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School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

Lawrence Jackson, a ��AV School of Dance associate professor, explained why it’s so significant to have contemporary professional choreographers like Robert Battle produce works for the school’s 2023 Dance Company Gala Concert.

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

“Robert Battle is the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), but he's also a choreographer of his own right,” Jackson said. “[Battle] is a choreographic genius and living legend.”

Battle’s “Awakening,” along with works by others, were performed by Mason dance students at the gala concert in March.

“It’s a really unique piece, because it was the first dance that Battle created after he became the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,” said Karen Reedy, director of Mason’s School of Dance.

In Battle’s “Awakening,” Reedy said, “there's a solo figure that emerges from the group symbolizing himself and all the feelings that go along with that of being chosen to lead the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and this community of people that has such a legacy.”

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Cristian Torres.

Junior dance major Morgan Olschewske is one of 12 students who performed Battle’s piece, and one of 42 student performers overall, including understudies.

“A couple of us female-identifying dancers were cast in male roles, which was also a cool thing because the dance is kind of gendered but also it doesn't really matter,” said Olschewske. “I am dancing the role of current company dancer, Yannick Lebrun. Yannick is this gigantic man, and I'm like 5 feet 4 inches, so I was honored to get cast as such a larger-than-life dancer.”

Battle visited Mason’s dance students and offered artistic insight into the work, while former AAADT dancer Elisa Clark acting as a choreographic tutor known as a repetiteur.

“Elisa is an incredible stager,” Reedy said. “She's danced most of the works created by Robert Battle. She's his right hand and has done this incredible job of sharing this work.”

Olschewske agreed, calling Elisa “one of the most thorough individuals I ever worked with in terms of knowing everything about the choreography.”

School of Dance students rehearse the choreography for Robert Battle's "Awakening." Photo by Shelby Burgess.

The Gala included of four performances split into two acts. “Awakening,” an 18-minute piece, closed the first half to a standing ovation, said Reedy.

“It was quite gripping for the audience. I believe that many resonated with this very cathartic work,” she said.

The gala is one of the School of Dance’s biggest annual events. Prospective students are often invited.

“If students are on the fence about wanting to join the School of Dance, this concert pushes them over and they're [excited] to come to Mason,” said Jackson. “I was invited to come to one of these concerts, and it's actually what convinced me to accept my position here.”

“This was my first time meeting [Robert Battle], and it was certainly the highlight of my career,” said Jackson. “One of the reasons I was attracted to the School of Dance is its reputation for hosting an array of eminent and emerging artists, providing artistic inspiration and networking opportunities for Mason students and faculty alike.”

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Dance

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A Contemporary Composer Fuels a New Mason Collaboration

Emily Schneider — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:19:10 +0000

A Contemporary Composer Fuels a New Mason Collaboration Emily Schneider Tue, 03/07/2023 - 14:19

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