DESTANIE DAVIDSON

Destanie Davidson will graduate with a BA in Dance from Texas Tech University in December of 2020. Destanie has been dancing for eighteen years with a background in multiple forms of dance. She has four years of experience in high school drill team and two years dancing with the All-American Halftime Cast. In her time at Texas Tech University, she has performed in many shows such as Fall Dance Festival, DanceTech, and RROAPS/RRADS and has choreographed for Fall Dance Festival and RROAPS/RRADS as well. She has dreams of owning a company or studio and working with individuals in need of dance therapy as well as working with a University post-graduation. Destanie is thrilled to continue her research in dance and continue expanding her artistry in the MA in Dance Studies program.

Research/Thesis Interests:
Destanie will focus on connections between dance and mental health and wellbeing in her thesis research.

KRISTI FRANKS

Kristi Franks is a professor of dance for Tyler Junior College and an instructor for TJC's Academy of Dance.

Kristi earned a BA in Dance and a BA in Communication Studies from Texas Tech University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and served as President of Chi Tau Epsilon (Dance Honor Society). At Texas Tech, she mentored under Galina Panova, former principal dancer for the Kirov Ballet. Upon graduation, she began teaching for Texas Tech as an adjunct faculty member in modern and jazz dance and was chosen to teach Contemporary Funk at the American College Dance Festival.

Outside of school, Kristi was the director/choreographer of the dance team for the Lubbock Cotton Kings, a professional ice hockey team, for whom she produced half-time shows, sideline routines and community performances. She also served as the Assistant Director for an award-winning local dance studio in Lubbock, teaching courses in all genres of dance from ages 2-adult.

In west Texas, Kristi also pursued a full-time career in the fitness industry. Her achievements include developing a nationally acclaimed youth fitness program, which garnered the title of "Best Children's Program in the Nation" for two consecutive years. In 2011, Kristi joined Flatlands Dance Theatre, a professional modern dance company. She performed with the company for two seasons, and choreographed for Collide, collaborating with visual artist Tiburzcio, for a piece entitled "Us".

After working as an adjunct for several years, Kristi became a full time professor for the TJC Department of Dance in the fall of 2019. Among her artistic inspirations are the great Alvin Ailey and Paul Taylor. Her choreography has been produced at Texas Tech and professionally in commercial work and musicals, including TJC's 2019 performance of Pippin. She lives in Tyler with her husband and 4 children.

Kristi is pursuing her Master's in Dance to further her career as an educator. She is most interested in learning more about choreography, bodywork as it relates to both dance and fitness and the influence of the internet and contemporary cultures on traditional dance forms across the world.

Research/Thesis Interests:
Kristi is interested in exploring dance genres that have been embraced by pop culture and how they fit into the academic community, focusing on what is happening in local studios and how that translates into collegiate dance studies. With local studios, social media, television (and what seems to be the majority of young dancers) putting more emphasis on contemporary, hip hop, and competition teams, etc., where does this land in the worlds of academic and professional dance that seem to lean toward ballet and modern? We see dancers who come into our [collegiate] departments with 16 years of dance experience, but hardly any training in ballet or modern. They can do a calypso and fouette turns, but have a sickled [foot in] passe and can't isolate their shoulders. Where is the disconnect and what needs to change?

ISABELLA GONZALES

Isabella Gonzales graduated with a BA in Dance from Texas Tech University in May of 2020. She was a competitive figure skater for twelve years before converting to dance. She has a background in Native American dance, contemporary, and jazz. Dance has been a major part in her life and she wants to continue working with this art form in the future. She has taken part in numerous shows during her Undergraduate time at Tech including: Fall Dance Festival and RROAPS and RRADS. Isabella has hopes of becoming a secondary school dance teacher, as well as conducting research within the dance world. She is looking forward to broadening her knowledge of dance specifically in pedagogy, advocacy, and research while in the MA in Dance Studies program.

Research/Thesis Interests:
Isabella is interested in the traditions of Native American dance, specifically, Aztec Danza. She plans to deepen her understandings of this cultural dance for her upcoming thesis.

ALYSSA ISLAS

Alyssa Islas is pursuing dual master's programs at Texas Tech, a Master of Arts in Dance Studies and Master of Arts in Media and Communication. She started dancing at the age of nine and her passion for dance has continued through her roles as a dance teacher, choreographer, and student. At 16 she began teaching baby ballet, hip hop and 'mommy and me' classes. In high school, she was a member of Lubbock High School's Pom Squad and upon graduating taught dance choreography for four years to visually impaired students through a summer camp program. Her passion for dance and writing grew through her undergraduate years as a Texas Tech student and led to her interest in tying together different strands of dance and expression in her graduate studies. Alyssa is excited about the possibilities in the Dance Studies program and is eager to work with equally passionate dancers and faculty. Her long-term plans include incorporating her love for dance and writing. In addition, she plans to explore the possibilities for dance and movement in working with those with learning and physical disabilities.

Research/Thesis Interests:
My research interests include exploring the intersection between communication strategies and awareness of arts, specifically dance. My goals are to use this knowledge to consult with companies within the arts to effectively reach their audience.

My thesis will focus on analyzing the impact of social media and marketing strategies to promote the dance industry.