Mary Norton,
Artistic Director
About the SU
Dance Company
"A consistently quality organization that dances for the
community . . . [and] one of the more innovative of local arts
ensembles in terms of its repertoire and its use of guest
artists in residence." ~ the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council
The Salisbury University Dance Company,
founded in 1960, focuses on dance as a
fine art. The ensemble study provides students with
opportunities to rehearse and perform ballet, ethnic, jazz,
modern/contemporary, and musical theatre dance works choreographed by
resident faculty, nationally-renowned guest artists, and
selected student members. In addition to performing for campus
and community events, the Company presents three main stage
productions each year: a Fall Showcase of auditioned member
works adjudicated for creative excellence by dance
professionals; a Spring Concert of resident faculty, guest
artist, and Showcase winner choreography; and a free Children's
Matinee in support of the Maryland Food Bank. Ten percent of
earned income is tithed each semester to a worthy cause. The
peer-elected executive council of student officers serves as a
liaison to the Artistic Director.
A recipient of the Outstanding Student Organization award,
the Company has been recognized for excellence in all aspects
and service as a positive representative of Salisbury
University. The Company is a member of the American College
Dance Festival Association, the Maryland Council for Dance, and
the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council. It has received numerous
grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Salisbury
Wicomico Arts Council, agencies funded through the state of
Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About Membership
Previous dance experience and an entrance audition are
required for new and returning students on the first Monday of
fall and spring semesters. Accepted students are required to add
and register for DANC-106 Dance Company (a 1.0 credit hour
course) and pay a $15 costume fee. Company meets every Monday
4:30-6:30 p.m. for master classes, finale rehearsals, and
production activities. Casting auditions held by all
choreographers determine the roster for each work. Each
semester, a dancer can rehearse and perform in one to four works
that include the all-company finale and, in the spring, the
Showcase winner. Member benefits include national honor and
university awards, leadership development, guest artist master
classes and repertory, supervised production of original
choreography, and New York City trips to take studio classes
attend Broadway shows.
Top
|
