UAA DANCE PROGRAM

The Dance Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage began in 1971 under the auspices of Anchorage Community College (ACC) with two ballet classes. Within a few years, many forms of dance technique were added to the dance curriculum.

In 1985, the Program began its guest artist residencies sponsoring Nina Wiener and Dancers in conjunction with the Anchorage Concert Association. By 1986, the first full time dance faculty member was hired within the University statewide system. In 1987, ACC was dissolved and the dance program joined the Department of Theatre at the University of Alaska Anchorage creating the Department of Theatre and Dance.

In 2004, the Department created and implemented a dance minor and a BA in Theatre with a dance emphasis. These are the first dance degree programs in the state. Today, the Dance Program maintains an active performance role within the community through its continued guest artist performance-teaching residencies.

Residency activities include creating new choreography, leading lectures and master classes within Theatre and Dance as well as lectures across academic disciplines (art, philosophy, foreign languages, anthropology). Past residencies have included XSIGHT! Performance Group, Katherine Kramer, Erika Batdorf, Yin Mei Critchell, Heather Cornell (Manhattan Tap), Marianela Boan (DanzAbierta, Havana Cuba), Molly Shanahan (Mad Shak Dance Company, Chicago), Annie Arnoult Beserra (Striding Lion InterArts Workshop, Chicago), Billy Siegenfeld (Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, Chicago), and Valeria Pinheiro (Cia Vata, Brazil).

Community partnerships are an important component of each residency. Past residency community partners have included Out North Contemporary Art House, Alaska Design Forum, Bunnell Gallery, Homer Arts Council, International Gallery of Contemporary Art, Alaska Dance Theatre, and the Anchorage School District.