And just like that, the fall semester is complete!

Fall 2025 has been an exciting and action-packed semester for the dance program. From production auditions and rehearsals in August, traveling to the Texas Dance Improv Festival in October, attending recruiting events, performing alongside our musical theatre students at the School of Music’s Ignite performance, and producing a nearly sold-out Fall Dance Festival in November—it’s been a vibrant few months for both our faculty and students.

This semester also marked a major milestone: the official launch of hip-hop dance technique as a new degree requirement for all dance majors and minors. This initiative has been years in the making, thanks to the addition of Anthony Denaro, Assistant Professor of Practice in Dance. Professor Denaro has been developing curriculum that includes both hip-hop technique and history courses. As one of the few university programs offering this coursework, we’re thrilled about the new opportunities this training will bring to our students.

Professor Denaro also recently represented the U.S. artform of Breaking in Japan, serving as an ambassador and providing specialized training for the Japanese Youth Olympic team training camp. Here’s what he shared about the experience:

On our first day of training, we focused on timing, rhythm, and the relationship to music—training our ears and translating that awareness into movement. The physical training consisted of a combination of high-intensity drills like short sprints, along with various explosive movements (plyometrics) such as squat jumps and single leg up and downs; strengthening exercises for the feet and ankles like calf raises and various ankle mobility drills that are crucial for building a solid foundation. The stand up dance of Toprock for Breaking already has many of these aspects embedded within it, so we spent a lot of time on that. 

On our second training day we focused on taking those ideas to the ground or into the air. We talked about intention and how having "readiness" in your step in Toprock gets you to be in an "always ready" position to go into your moves. This creates a seamless flow from top to bottom, up and down and so on. We ended the day with a history lesson of things I personally studied, sharing research and insights that shaped my own understanding of the dance. I look forward to seeing the progress of all the attendees of the camp. There was great talent there, and Japan has a good shot at the gold without a doubt!

We are proud of Professor Denaro for showcasing his expertise on an international stage and for bringing this knowledge back to our students. TTU dancers are fortunate to train with YNOT throughout their time in the program. Congratulations, Professor Denaro, on this outstanding achievement!

Finally, a special thank-you to Dr. Mark Charney for dedicating this entire newsletter to the Dance Program. As a smaller program within the School of Theatre & Dance, we sometimes feel overshadowed. Housed in the Creative Movement Studio across campus from the School’s main building, we are a unique program with distinct needs for support and structure. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from Dr. Charney, Dean Camacho, and the entire SOTD staff.

And looking ahead—we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Summer Dance Intensive, coming June 2026. Stay tuned for more details!