New dynamic experiences with artists working in the field are crucial for our students and faculty members to both inspire and connect intrinsically to our profession.

We have been working on an exciting, new BFA track in dance and were pleased to present it to the Visual and Performing Arts Committee on Academic Programs last month. We are hoping to start this track in the fall of 2020.

We shaped this BFA degree in dance, with a concentration in performance and choreography, understanding that it is critical to our students' training not only to have experiences with our faculty but also to add the creative voices of guest artists working nationally and internationally to the tapestry of their educational experience. This will help stimulate choreographic thinking through introducing new ways of generating and structuring material, encouraging our students to interpret, render, and execute the artistic perspectives of different choreographers, and to witness the orchestration of ensemble work.

Our students must have experiences with artists working professionally in competitive markets, both nationally and internationally. These artists present a rigor and flexibility that comes from a place of practice and reality and it shakes things up for both students and faculty, hopefully inspiring the creative process moving forward.

Nicholas Palmquist, a guest artist from New York City, was working with our students in the dance program this week and his residency was tremendously successful.

Here are some reflections on Nick's visit:

"I think the students loved getting the opportunity to work with Nick this week, and I am grateful for TTU bringing someone of his caliber here. We are really lucky to have that support!" – Kyla Olson, Professor of Practice in Dance

"This past week, learning from Nick has been amazing. He has a strong and unique ear for musicality; that has been so fun to learn. He creates a very trusting environment where we were able to play with musicality and mistakes were allowed. He is such a beautiful mover and has inspired me, as I am headed into graduation." - Hannah Haeussler, undergraduate dance student

"Nick's perspective is very insightful and his wealth of experience and knowledge is immeasurable. Through his teachings, I found ways to enjoy the narrative of the work while maintaining my own individual take on the movement given to us. He pushes the perspective of awareness as well as acceptance of ourselves. I've learned that once we accept our unique body image and the way we move, we can display the best version of ourselves to an audience. Nick's efforts at Texas Tech has not only provided a challenging set of phrases, but a series of lessons that I can apply as I move into the professional world." - Kietraille Sutton, undergraduate theatre student

New dynamic experiences with artists working in the field are crucial for our students and faculty members to both inspire and connect intrinsically to our profession.