Get a fair share of dance

DanceShare brings JMU, Radford dancers together

By John-Michael Triana, contributing writer
Posted on October 11, 2007

Schools often collaborate to share resources and research. This weekend, however, JMU will collaborate with another Virginia college to share something a little different: dance.

Every other year the school of theatre and dance presents DanceShare, a modern dance performance in congruence with other university dance programs. Past shows have collaborated with Virginia Commonwealth University, Hollins College, University of Maryland at College Park, University of Ohio and Shenandoah University.

“The idea of joining forces with other schools is to enable us to create a relationship with them wherein they will invite us to their university in the future,” said Cynthia Thompson, professor of dance.

This year’s DanceShare will be performed collectively with faculty and students from both JMU and Radford University. There will be four dances by JMU dancers and four from Radford.

“The type of dance will be mostly modern contemporary along with an addition of ballet and possibly some jazz as well,” Thompson said. 

Performing this year for JMU will be Kate Trammell, a professor from the school of theatre and dance, as well as senior dance major Ashley Tucket. In addition, JMU’s pre-professional group, the Virginia Repertory Dance Company will also be performing.

A highlight of the show is expected to be a performance choreographed by well-known and highly respected choreographer, 90-year-old Daniel Nagrin.

“He is renowned in the dance community and is considered a modern dance pioneer,” Thompson said of Nagrin. 

DanceShare will be held in Godwin Studio Theatre, room 335 on Friday, Oct. 12-13 at 8 p.m.. Tickets will be $8 for the general public and $4 for senior citizens and JAC Card holders.