Thirteen students and three faculty members from the Minnesota State Mankato Department of Theatre & Dance attended the North Central region of the American College Dance Festival (ACDF), March 18-22. It was hosted by the University of Minnesota's Dance Program in the Twin Cities. Twenty-three schools attended from as far away as California and 34 dances were adjudicated.
Dance faculty member Dan Stark taught a well-attended Afro-Cuban class, which reflected his research from a recent trip to Cuba. Fellow colleague Paul Finocchiaro taught an advanced tap class to an enthusiastic crowd of over 40 students. Julie Kerr-Berry, Dance Program Director, taught an Intermediate Modern class to students from all over the region. As Regional Director for the NC Region of ACDF, Dr. Kerr-Berry facilitated several meetings for the region's membership.
The Minnesota State Mankato Dance Program brought two works to be adjudicated by three nationally known dance artists, Sara Hook, Tommy DeFrantz and Diane McIntyre. The two works were "Historically Speaking," choreographed by dance major Nicole Curry, and "Porcelain Portraits," choreographed by Julie Kerr-Berry. "Historically Speaking" was selected to be performed for the Gala Concert. Stephanie Narlock choreographed and performed a work for the Informal Concert, along with three fellow dance students, called "Common Martyrs." Dance major Sara Jump performed a solo in another venue called an "Unshowing."
Students participated in several master classes that ran the full length of the conference. The conference culminated with a master class taught by the three adjudicators, followed by the Gala Concert. Students and faculty attend the Limón Company performance at Northrup Auditorium as part of the conference. ACDF afforded students the opportunity to network with other students, as well as with artistic directors of several companies that are based in the Twin Cities. Collectively, ACDF offers students a tremendous opportunity to perform, take classes and see several concerts that represent the region's college and university dance scene.
"Historically Speaking" (left) and "Porcelain Portraits"
