The spring semester is in full swing, and we have been busy. 2026 is a year of new beginnings for the Dance Program.

We recently wrapped our spring production of DanceTech: Rites of Spring, a collaborative performance reimagining Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring through dance and devised theatre. Co-directed by Assistant Professor of Practice, Anthony DeNaro, and Assistant Professor of Movement, Dr. Chris Staley, this production was a new collaboration between theatre and dance that featured an original music by DeNaro. While this co-directed production had its growing pains, it was exciting to see so many bodies onstage depicting stories in myriad ways. Rachel Ure, a local dance artist who formally responded to the concert, provided the following feedback:

The works themselves are elevated by lighting angles, colors and textures, simple yet nuanced costuming, and a successful original score by Anthony “YNOT” DeNaro. Overhead filming projected behind the dancers in real time proves to be a striking way to include a watcher from above- adding to the already compelling staging. Themes of seasons and circles, the one and the group, and the offering of sacrifice are repeated and skillfully portrayed through the various choreographed and devised works. Powerful scripting through a collaborative design process gives the audience verbal context to enable a viewer new to the story a framework for viewing the abstract dance works. Each work is created with student collaboration enabling students to be visibly more invested in the works.

The dance program also took 20 students to take part in the American College Dance Festival South-Central conference hosted at University of North Texas, where three student choreographers showcased their work: “Entre Mundos: The Weight of Memory” by Melissa Casillas (BFA Dance 2025 graduate); “HYPHENATED” by Khushee Hegde (BA Dance 2025 graduate); and “Echoes on Stone” by Kensley Turnbow (BFA Dance 2026 graduate). Casillas’s work was selected to perform again at the conference gala. Congratulations to those students on a successful performance at ACDA!

We also implemented our first Study Abroad program this semester with the Cultural Foundations of Dance course with Dr. Ali Duffy in Spain during Spring Break. Students attend class in Sevilla and actively engage with arts and culture organizations focusing on flamenco.TTU students have many opportunities for excursions to Granada, Cordoba, Jerez, and Madrid led by TTU staff. We are thrilled that Dr. Duffy is offering this once in a lifetime learning opportunity for our dance students.

And we are excited about our first ever WildWind Summer Dance Intensive this June from the 8th to the 13th. The camp, geared for high school aged students, allows participants to experience the TTU dance program firsthand, learning from our talented dance faculty. From classes in technique, somatic practice, and choreography, campers can see what to expect as a dance major or minor at TTU. Because of generous grant funding by REA Charitable Trust, there is only a $25 application fee for the camp. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity (nearly) free of charge for students this year. You can find out more information about our summer camp opportunities on our website.