THD Representation Strong at National Dance Conferences

Congratulations to the more than a dozen dance students and faculty leaders who represented the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) with distinction at multiple regional and national conferences throughout the academic year. Their work was featured at the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) Conference in October 2025 (Detroit, MI); the New York State Dance Educators Association (NYSDEA) Conference in January 2026 (Rochester, NY); and the American College Dance Association (ACDA) North East Regional Conference held February–March 2026 (Greensburg, PA).

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, the NDEO is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing dance education in the arts. The organization provides educators with vital support, professional development, research resources, and national advocacy to strengthen the role of dance in schools, studios, and communities across the country.

At the October 2025 NDEO Conference in Detroit, THD was represented by graduate dance students Madeline Dembowski and Charity John. Among their contributions, John presented a detailed display highlighting the rehearsal and technical processes behind her work “Vumani,” which was featured in both the Emerging Choreographers Showcase and Zodiaque Dance Company’s 50th Anniversary Spring Concert.

The New York State Dance Educators Association (NYSDEA) Conference is an annual statewide gathering devoted to supporting, advancing, and celebrating dance education across New York State. Organized by the NYSDEA—a professional network that includes P–12 dance teachers, higher‑education faculty, private‑studio instructors, arts‑organization educators, cultural‑institution partners, researchers, administrators, vendors, and students—the conference offers a rich combination of workshops, master classes, student‑focused career development, educator‑centered professional development, performances, and statewide networking opportunities.

In January 2026, Professor Anne Burnidge led a group of three students—Madeline Dembowski, Amanda Hatfield, and Charity John—to this year’s conference, held at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. The trip provided opportunities for THD students to present their creative, scholarly, and pedagogical work alongside peers and professionals from across the state.

During the conference, THD participants engaged in a wide range of activities demonstrating the depth and diversity of their artistic and academic contributions. Madeline Dembowski performed her 2025 choreography "And I Locked the Door" in the student concert. Charity John presented her paper, "Dance as Ritual, Story, and Intercultural Bridge," offering insight into the cultural and narrative dimensions of dance. Professor Burnidge shared two sessions: a workshop titled "Somatic Stress Release for Dance Educators: Applied Polyvagal Theory," and a class titled "Ballet for EveryBODY," both aimed at expanding pedagogical approaches within the field. Amanda Hatfield represented THD as a conference participant, engaging with sessions and statewide networks that support continued growth in dance education.

The American College Dance Association North East Regional Conference (ACDA) is an annual event that brings together college and university dance programs from across the Northeastern United States. The conference provides students and faculty with opportunities to present choreography, participate in classes and workshops, and engage in artistic and academic exchange. A central feature of the gathering is its adjudicated concerts, where works by students, faculty, and guest artists receive professional feedback. Additional activities—such as informal concerts, faculty‑driven creative projects, and region‑wide networking—further support community building and artistic growth. Each year, the conference draws dozens of institutions and hundreds of participants, offering a concentrated environment for celebrating and advancing dance in higher education.

From February 28 to March 3, 2026, Professors Anne Burnidge and Chanon Judson led a group of twelve students to the American College Dance Association North East Regional Conference hosted at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The THD contingent participated in a full slate of performances, teaching opportunities, and professional exchanges that highlighted both student and faculty artistry.

The department presented two adjudicated works during the conference. The first, "(un)Settling Place" (2025), choreographed by Anne Burnidge, was performed by Marjie Charles, Madeline Dembowski, Shannon Nephew, Kira Sethi, and Jessamy Zarragotia, with Sophia Clute serving as stage manager. The second adjudicated piece, "Answer Me" (2025), choreographed by Kendra Jones, featured performances by Marjie Charles, Rachel Hunt, Jordan Moody, Aniyah Mungo, Shannon Nephew, Kira Sethi, and Jessamy Zarragotia, also stage‑managed by Sophia Clute. In addition, Madeline Dembowski performed her solo work "And I Locked the Door" (2025) in the informal concert series.

THD graduate students and faculty contributed significantly to the conference’s class offerings as well. Charity John (MFA) taught two Grounded Rhythm classes, while Madeline Dembowski (MFA) taught two Commercial Hip Hop sessions. Rebekah Bono (MFA) led classes in Intermediate Rhythm Tap and Jazz Funk. Among faculty presentations, Chanon Judson offered sessions in “Rooted Jazz” and “Choreopoem,” and Anne Burnidge taught a class in Somatic Ballet, rounding out a dynamic and far‑reaching set of contributions from the department.