Exciting News: SUU Dance Professor And Student Head To NYC For SoloDuo Dance Festival

The Southern Utah University (SUU) Department of Theatre, Dance, & Arts Administration (TDAA) proudly announces that Dance Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather and senior Dance major Taylor Tumminia have been selected to showcase their choreographic talents at the SoloDuo Dance Festival presented by WHITE WAVE DANCE in New York City on February 9, 2024.

Out of numerous applicants worldwide, Sheather and Tumminia are among the 30 dancemakers chosen by a panel of distinguished presenters and dance artists. To offer a sneak peek to the local community, a Dress Rehearsal of their pieces will take place on February 2, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. in SUU's Multipurpose Center, room 116A. The event is free and open to the public.

Established in 2016 by WHITE WAVE’s Artistic Director Young Soon Kim, the SoloDuo Dance Festival seeks to discover and nurture emerging talent in the dance world. It provides a platform for choreographers to display their work, creating vibrant experiences for audiences. The festival takes place at Dixon Place, an intimate venue perfectly suited for solo and duet performances.

Professor Sheather emphasizes the importance of opportunities like the SoloDuo Dance Festival in supporting students beyond the confines of their educational context. She believes such platforms allow students to refine their visions and build networks crucial for their dance careers.

Sheather's piece, "I Knew a Man," originally choreographed for former SUU Dance professor Nick Blaylock, will be performed by Tumminia. The revisit of this repertoire has allowed Sheather to reassess her work, incorporating changes and ideas based on her evolving perspectives. Tumminia, honored to perform the piece, acknowledges the physical and emotional challenges of adapting movements originally not designed for her body.

Tumminia's own creation, "Departing," will be performed by fellow Dance major Elley White. Premiered in collaboration with SUU Music in 2023, the piece involves a live saxophonist, Sam Ryder, improvising based on Taylor's choreography. The unique collaboration has elevated both the performance and choreography to new heights, encouraging introspection and instantaneous creative collaboration.

As Tumminia expresses, "Departing" holds a special place in their hearts, offering an opportunity for artistic expansion during the learning and rehearsal process. Taking this piece to New York City signifies not just a performance but an exploration of new artistic possibilities and collaborations.

The Dress Rehearsal on February 2 promises to be a celebration of artistic prowess and creativity, providing the local community with a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of dance. It's not just a performance; it's an invitation to witness the transformative power of movement and expression. Join in the celebration at SUU’s Multipurpose Center, room 116 – a unique and free event for all.