SRU hosting ACDA conference and dance concerts, March 16-19
The Kizuna Dance company, which blends street dance with contemporary floorwork, will perform at Slippery Rock University, March 16, as part of the American College Dance Association’s Mid-Atlantic North Conference.
March 10, 2022
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Attendees at an upcoming dance conference hosted by Slippery Rock University are finally "coming to their senses," a phrase that is the theme for the 2022 American College Dance Association's Mid-Atlantic North Conference, March 16-19, at SRU's Performing Arts Complex. The conference is for faculty and students to celebrate dance in higher education and share research and other information about their discipline. The event also includes two concerts for which the public can purchase tickets to attend.
"The theme is about becoming grounded in sensorial practices," said Jennifer Keller, professor of dance, who is one of the coordinators of the ACDA MAN. "Conference participants will have opportunities to reflect on how they navigate in a post-pandemic world. We are thrilled to host this event in-person this year. This is a great opportunity for people to come together to share ideas and celebrate dance, and it also provides visibility for the dance program we offer at SRU."
More than 200 dance faculty and students from more than 15 institutions are attending the conference. This event is one of nine regional conferences organized through ACDA, a professional organization that supports and affirms dance in higher education through regional conferences, the adjudication process and national festivals.
"The conference schedule will include a wide variety of classes, scholarly research presentations, and opportunities for student and faculty exchanges in and out of the studio," Keller said. "There is also adjudication and informal concerts and feedback sessions. We are also planning for timely topics for faculty group discussions, particularly regarding the post-pandemic culture in the arts."
Registration and more details about the ACDA MAN is available on the conference webpage.
Additionally, the public can purchase individual tickets for the conference's Opening Concert and Gala Concert at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, March 16, at the Miller Theater in the Performing Arts Center.
The Opening Concert will feature Kizuna Dance, an international repertory ensemble from New York City that blends street dance with contemporary floorwork to create dances that celebrate Japanese culture. Malena Maust, a 2018 SRU graduate with a degree in dance, is a member of the Kizuna Dance and will be among the performers.
The Gala Concert will feature selected works adjudicated by a national panel at the conference from student, faculty and guest artist choreography.
Tickets for the two concerts can be purchased for $10 each at sru.edu/tickets.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu