Dance
Dance Program- HU Theatre Arts- Welcome Video (ASD)
The Other Side
Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book comes to life with movement from choreographer and Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor for Dance Education Hope Boykin.
This production takes place at The Kennedy Center Apr. 21 - 30, 2022, and features performers from the Dance Arts Program at Howard University:
Deirdre Dunkin, Jordin Greene, Tanasia Lane, Riche Williams, Kendall Dennis, and Cameron Harris
Ticket Information can be found here.HU DANCE PROGRAM presents
FULL CIRCLE (Senior Capstone Presentations)
Choreographers include: Siani Beckett, Gillian Clifford, Naomi K. Johnson, Geneva White & Jay'kayla Winford
Dance Capstone Presentation- Live Mon Apr 19th @ 6:00 pm
BREAKING. THROUGH. DISCOVERING. TRUTH. WITHIN.
Join us for our Annual
Spring Dance Concert
April 16- 18, 2021!
Programming for each date can be viewed below:
H.U. Dance Program Interdisciplinary Project with Hope Boykin
Howard University Alumni | Principle Dancer Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater & Emerging Choreographer To Watch Rachel Harris
Howard University Dance Arts is proud to welcome back H.U. Alumna Ms. Hope Boykin to serve as Artistic Advisor and Guest Choreographer for the H.U. Dance Arts 2021 Virtual Spring Concert. Hope recently completed 18 years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In addition to creating new breathtaking choreographic work on students within the department, Hope will be bringing her expertise as a well-traveled and accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, educator and producer to the Dance Arts program. Ms. Boykin will also be teaching a scholastically driven interdisciplinary Composition Course to promising juniors and seniors that involves an advanced approach and breakdown of choreography, choreographic research, history, and dance on film. Current technology for the class includes hands on computer software and equipment enhancing video quality, editing, and design techniques.
The Howard University Dance Arts 2021 Virtual Spring Concert will also include new choreographic work from emerging choreographer and current Parsons Dance Company member Rachel Harris. Ms. Harris is a graduate of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a choreographic voice ready to be heard. The H.U. Dance Arts 2021 Spring Concert is a 3-day event that will also include talk backs, panel discussions and talented student choreography chosen to be showcased within the festivities. Ms. Boykin and Ms. Harris are supported by The International Association of Blacks in Dance and Friends of Theatre and Dance at Howard University.
RISE UP choreographed and danced by Dance Major Jordin Greene.
View the beautiful work of RISE UP here!
Good Trouble, under the direction of Jocelyn E. Cox, was presented with choreography by Keishonna Belcher, Zanyah Dorfeuille, Deirdre Dunkin, Jordin Greene, Tanasia Lane and Nia Mapp.
View the Showcase Performance here!
View their Q&A sessions below!
"ALL IN BLOOM" Keishonna Belcher
Good Trouble: Dance Composition Showcase Program
Guest Artist- Kim Y. Bears-Bailey
Kim Y. Bears-Bailey, Assistant Artistic Director
The Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco)
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) graduate of The University of Arts, Kim joined PHILADANCO in 1981. Kim had a successful twenty-year performance career as a lead dancer with the company before retiring from the stage. A 1992 "Bessie" Award recipient, (The New York Dance and Performance Award), Kim represented PHILADANCO at the 1988 American Dance Festival as a soloist where she performed two works by Dr. Pearl Primus. An assistant to Primus, Kim restaged several Primus works at Howard University, an institution committed to the repository preservation of Primus’ works (created for political and social change) and legacy. Under the guidance, direction and coaching by Ms. Thomas, Kim also reconstructed historic works by legendary choreographer Louis Johnson. Ms. Bears-Bailey is currently an Associate Professor of Dance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. For more than thirty-five years she has had the privilege of being under the tutelage of Master Teacher Pat Thomas, groomed as a student, performing artist and teaching artist. Additional mentors include; (Horton) James Truitte, Faye Snow, Milton Myers/(Primus) Dr. Pearl Primus, Sheron Trotman /(Dunham) Katherine Dunham, Joan Myers Brown, Theo Jamison and Ruby Streate, just to name a few. Kim is one of few artists granted permission to remount the works of many world-renowned choreographers including Talley Beatty, Pearl Primus, Gene Hill Sagan and Louis Johnson. Kim travels across the globe as a teaching artist and artist-in-residence. Ms. Bears-Bailey produced, reconstructed and directed two evening length showcases; “Celebrating the Legacy of African-American Dance Pioneer Pearl Primus" and 'Celebrating Master Choreographer Louis Johnson', both with performances and panel discussions as part of An American Masterpieces project at the University of the Arts. In 2011 she received the prestigious Mary Louise Beitzel Award for Distinguished Teaching and the distinguished 2016 Silver Star Alumni Award both from the University of the Arts. 2017 Kim created new works for the Towson University Youth Ensemble & Dance Majors and the Katherine Smith Contemporary Ensemble. Bears-Bailey instructed two week-long residencies for the Jones & Haywood School of Dance Summer Intensive in Martha's Vineyard and recently completed her second year as a Modern Dance Instructor for Pennsylvania Ballet’s ‘Let’s Dance Summer Program’. Kim is a humbled recipient of the 2017 ‘Bring it to the Marley’ Icon Award and the 2018 ‘Legacy Award’ from DCNS Dance. Ms. Bears-Bailey is the proud mother of Nia Yvonne Bailey.
HU DANCE PROGRAM SPRING 2021 GUEST ARTISTS
The Dance Program continues their guest artist series with
Tracy M. Vogt, LauraBethany Strong, Shaness D. Kemp & Janine N. Beckles!
Tracy M. Vogt
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Tracy attended the School for the Performing and Visual Arts where she was given scholarships to study at the Erie Civic Ballet School (Lake Erie Ballet) and the Erie Bayfront Ballet. She received scholarships to the PA Governor’s School for the Arts, Jacob’s Pillow Modern Intensive, Point Park Summer Dance and attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. She was also a scholarship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York, NY, where she was personally chosen to demonstrate Graham technique by School Director, Denise Jefferson.
Her professional experience includes Assistant Rehearsal Director, Principal Dancer and Masterclass Instructor with the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) for twelve years, Rehearsal Director and Principal Dancer for the Wylliams Henry Contemporary Dance Company in Kansas City, MO, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater and Verb Ballets in Ohio, under the direction of Hernando Cortez. Ms. Vogt has demonstrated technique classes for Master Teachers including Yuriko Kikuchi, Mary Hinkson, Pat Thomas and Milton Myers. She received the Philadelphia Rocky Award for Dance Excellence, and has performed lead roles in works by Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, David Parsons, Gene Hill Sagan, Elisa Monte, Talley Beatty, George Faison, Bill T. Jones, Dianne McIntyre, Christopher Huggins, Dwight and many other diverse contemporary choreographers.
Ms. Vogt has taught at the National Regional Dance America, Southeastern and Northeastern Regional Ballet Festivals, as well as numerous schools, summer intensives and Universities both nationally and abroad, most recently in Uganda, Rwanda and Guinea, Africa for NGO MindLeaps, that creates educational programs for refugee and children and post conflict developing countries. She was Dance Director for North Atlanta High School in 2009 and on faculty at Tri-Cities High School, Atlanta Ballet and the South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities from 2012-2020. Ms. Vogt was also the Director of the Body Positivity program to encourage a healthy and holistic approach to body image.
Tracy’s choreography was selected and performed at RDA SE festival in 2011and 2019, and her contemporary choreography placed 1st, 2nd and numerous top twelve finishes at Youth American Grand Prix in Atlanta, Winston-Salem and YAGP Finals in NYC. She has also choreographed works for Dance Canvas Atlanta, Rockford Dance Company, Erie Contemporary Ballet as well as the Regional High School Dance Festival in Norfolk, VA. She is currently the Artistic Director of the Roswell Dance Theatre Modern Company in Atlanta and teaches at Foothills Dance Conservatory and the International Ballet in Greenville, South Carolina.
LauraBethany Strong
A native of St. Louis, Missouri LauraBethany began studying dance at the tender age of three. She started her professional career at 16 years old as an Actor's Equity member with the St. Louis Municipal Opera. Performing in shows like: “Guys and Dolls”, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Singing In The Rain”. Continuing her dance training led her to Howard University, where she became a dance major. While attending Howard she was handselected and cast in The Kennedy Centers Performing Arts presentation of “PURLIE”, directed by Tony Award winner George Faison and choreographed by the legendary Louis Johnson. She also performed in the American Premiere of “KING”, (the musical for President Clinton's Inauguration). In addition, she became a Washington Wizards cheerleader. After her stint in D.C., LauraBethany moved to New York City and was a scholarship recipient at the prestigious Alvin Ailey School. Along with being a New York Knick City and Liberty cheerleader, she was cast and performed as a principal dancer in the 25th Anniversary of “The Wiz.” In 2001, LauraBethany relocated to Los Angeles to further propel her professional career. After landing several high-profile jobs, she began to make a name for herself as a dancer, movement coach, and choreographer. She has worked with artists such as Babyface, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Natalie Cole, Lady Gaga and the list goes on. She's also no stranger to TV/Film, appearing in commercials, TV shows, and films like Will and Grace, Idlewild, The Great Observer, The Comebacks, Bring It On Again, and a list of award shows. You have also seen her as a straight-talking judge on Laurieann Gibson's Born To Dance. In 2017, LauraBethany was nominated for a British Arrow Award for her choreography in a NIKE campaign. She is extremely grateful for the wealth of knowledge that has been gained from traveling around the world and learning the business from Icons.
Shaness D. Kemp
Kemp is a native of Nassau, Bahamas and holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from Temple University. She is a freelance dancer, choreographer and dance educator and is currently on faculty at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is a certified Umfundalai teacher and has taught at various institutions, festivals and intensives. Kemp has trained and performed with several notable artists and professional dance companies, including Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Kariamu & Company: Traditions, Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, Eleone Dance Theatre, Philadanco! The Philadelphia Dance Company, Urban Bush Women, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Rennie Harris Puremovement, The Katherine Dunham Seminar and The American Dance Festival. She was the 2015-2016 recipient of the Ellen Forman Memorial Award and her work continues to be presented nationally and internationally; most recently presenting at the 2020 37th annual Choreographer's Showcase where she tied with another choreographer for the Audience Choice award, the 2019 International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference as a choreographer and in the 2019 Women In Dance Leadership Conference as a performer and instructor. Shaness is thrilled about working with the students at Howard University and looks forward to the artistic exchange and experience.
Janine N. Beckles
A native of New York City, Janine started dancing at the age of six at Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she stayed for eight years on scholarship. She then continued her training at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts and the Ailey School on the fellowship scholarship (performing "Memoria," "Hymn," and "Revelations,"). Janine received a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Sociology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Janine was a National Foundation of the Arts award recipient in Modern Dance. A former member of Dallas Black Dance Theatre for five years. Janine has done some commercial work and also danced in the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards as a dancer for Beyonce. Janine is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was selected to be one of the 2018-2019 Visiting Teaching Fellows for the School of American Ballet. She is in her eleventh season with Philadanco as a dancer and the company’s Graham teacher. Janine is a current board member of the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyer Association (PVLA). She was recently appointed as Assistant to the Artistic Director of Philadanco and currently in her first year of study for her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership.
Dance Program (120 hours)
The Dance program is designed to educate, train and develop talented students in the performance skills of dance. The program combines theoretical classroom instruction, studio techniques and rehearsal and performance skills. The student is provided with the opportunity of technical development with guest artists, internships with major performance companies, and critical guidance in level placement and training. Entry requirements for dance students include auditions and interviews and exit requirements involve passing a jury examination. A major emphasis in this program is the successful completion of the practicum experience in the senior year.
Admission into this area of concentration is by audition and invitation only
Dance Program Course Curriculum Scheme
FRESHMAN YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
2- THDN-076 DANCE TECH I BAL/MOD/AFR & SEM
1- FRSM-001 FRESHMAN SEMINAR
3- THDN-067 KINES CHARACT DEV & STORYTEL
3- THFD-201 IND STUD RESEARCH: NUTR FOR DNC or
NUTR-106 NUTRITION FOR NON-MAJORS
3- ENGW-101 RHETORIC, INQUIRY & CRIT WRIT or
ENGW-102 *EXP. WRITING & LIT
3 FOREIGN LANGUAGE I
TOTAL CREDITS- 15
SPRING SEMESTER
2- THDN-077 DANCE TECH II BAL/MOD/AFR&SEM
3- MATH-006 COLLEGE ALGEBRA I
3- ENGW-103 PERSUASIVE WRIT & RESEARCH
3- THTT-057 STAGE MAKE-UP/LAB
2- THDN-021 DANCE COMPOSITION I
1- HHPL-002 BEGINNING SWIMMING
3- FOREIGN LANGUAGE II
TOTAL CREDITS- 18
SOPHOMORE YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
2- THDN-007 *BALLET I
2- THDN-001 *MODERN I
2- THDN-015 AFRICAN DANCE I
3- THDN-031 ANATOMY/KINESIOLOGY
2- THDN-022 DANCE COMPOSITION II
3- THDN-029 DANCE HISTORY I
3- THTT-051 BSC STAGE LTG: LTG THE DANCE
TOTAL CREDITS - 17
SPRING SEMESTER
2- THDN-008 *BALLET II
2- THDN-002 *MODERN II
2- THDN-016 AFRICAN DANCE II
3- PSYCH-050 INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY or
SOCI-020 INTRO TO SOCIAL PSYCH
2- THDN-023 DANCE COMPOSITION III
3- THDN-037 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE
3- THDN-030 DANCE HISTORY II
1- THDN-201 DANCE TECH PRODUCTION
TOTAL CREDITS - 18
*Based on placement
JUNIOR YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
2- THDN-009 *BALLET III
2- THDN-003 *MODERN III
2- THDN-116 AFRICAN DANCE III
2- THDN-024 DANCE COMPOSITION IV
3- THMT-107 SINGING FOR THE PERFORMER or
THMT-041 INTRO TO THEORY FOR MUSCL THE
2- THDN-062 CONTEMP TRENDS IN DANCE I
3- ARTH-161 ART APPRECIATION or
ARTH-164 SURVEY OF VISUAL ART
TOTAL CREDITS- 16
SPRING SEMESTER
2- THDN-010 *BALLET IV
2- THDN-004 *MODERN IV
2- THDN-046 MAJ AFRICAN PERF WORKSHOP
2- THDN-071 DANCE MAJ MOVEMENT TECH
2- THDN-085 CONTEMP TRENDS IN DANCE II
1- THDN-200 DANCE TECH PRODUCTION I
1- HHPL-011 WEIGHT TRAINING OR HHPL-061 PILATES
TOTAL CREDITS- 12
SENIOR YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
2- THDN-036 DANCE SENIOR SEMINAR W/LAB
3- THAT-191 FUNDRAISING FOR THE ARTS
2- THMT-065 TAP I
2- THMT-067 JAZZ DANCE 2
3- FREE ELECTIVE 1
TOTAL CREDITS- 12
SPRING SEMESTER
2- THDN-061 DANCE SENIOR SEMINAR II
3- THAT-156 STAGE MANAGEMENT
3- THTT-053 COSTUME FOR THEATRE
1- THDN-225 DANCE TECH PRODUCTION II
3- FREE ELECTIVE 2
TOTAL CREDITS- 12
Additional Information
IN ADDITION TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COURSES LISTED ON THIS SCHEME, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE 5 POINTS TO GRADUATE: POINTS FOR DANCE MAJOR CONCENTRATION STUDENTS: 1 (FALL SHOWCASE/SPRING CONCERT/MUSICAL) 1 (FALL SHOWCASE/SPRING CONCERT/MUSICAL) 1 (FALL SHOWCASE/SPRING CONCERT/MUSICAL) 1 (FALL SHOWCASE/SPRING CONCERT/MUSICAL) 1 (BACKSTAGE CREW FOR: FALL SHOWCASE/SPRING CONCERT/MUSICAL) TOTAL = 5
* Based on placement
***Students participating in the Honors Program will be required to enroll in additional courses and participate in accompanying activities. Report to the Honors advisor for information and program requirements.
Dance Majors entering as Howard University recognized Honor/Merit Scholar/Legacy Scholarship Students will be recognized as such in the Dance concentration. These students will therefore automatically be assigned to the Honors Program with its accompanying course workload and research assignments. Such students should report to the Honors advisor for information on program requirements.
NOTE FOR COURSES WITH LAB HOURS: Laboratory hours allow for practical application of the theoretical approach addressed in both classroom exercises and lectures. Lab hours vary depending on the expectations and demands of the class/production. All students should anticipate committing additional time outside of classroom instruction for Lab work.
ALL DANCE COMPOSITION COURSES HAVE LAB HOURS