Students gain opportunity to learn from dance icon

The second of three collaborations between Radford University’s Department of Dance and the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech will bring American Modern Dance icon Twyla Tharp’s style to Radford on March 2.

Tharp’s sustained success includes choreography for more than 160 works. Among her accomplishments are two Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a MacArthur Fellow and the 2004 National Medal of the Arts. Tharp also choreographs for her own company, Twyla Tharp Dance, which she founded in 1965.

Kaitlyn Gillibrand, instructor of the master class, brings with her experience under the tutelage of Tharp and an understanding of the industry.

“The students will get exposure to a style of Modern Dance that is not currently offered in the department,” said Department of Dance Chair danah bella. “Additionally, students will be able to connect and network with someone who is currently working professionally in the field.”  

tywla-radford-masterclass

Photograph of Twyla Tharp Dance.

Gilliland joined Twyla Tharp Dance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic dance company.

Prior to joining Twyla Tharp Dance, Gilliland danced with the New York City Ballet and received the company’s Janice Levin Dancer Award, given to a promising member of the dance corps. Since then, she has worked with BalletNext, Ballet Collective, Ballet Tech, Emery LeCrone Dance, Intermezzo Dance Company, JV Squad – Designated Movement, New Chamber Ballet, Pontus Lidberg Dance and Trainor Dance.

Later in the spring semester, Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater will collaborate with Radford students who will perform with the company at the Moss Arts Center in April.

Sign-ups for master classes, when available, are on the Department of Dance bulletin board, located at the main office in Peters Hall, room B121.

For more information on the Department of Dance, visit its web page or contact them at 540-831-6850.

For a list of upcoming events in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, check out its event calendar.

Mar 1, 2017
Max Esterhuizen
(540) 831-7749
westerhuizen@radford.edu