MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University (WOU) dance students recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the visiting Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company (NRDC) as part of the Smith Fine Arts Series. In the week leading up to their January performance at Rice Auditorium, NRDC conducted a week-long residency at Western, offering dance workshops and partnering with students on choreography. Several dance students were even cast in the NRDC performance that culminated the residency.
Earlier this year, Western’s dance department also welcomed another guest artist, Jeffery Peterson, the director of the dance program at Winona State University. Peterson restaged a piece called H2Overture, which the students performed at the American College Dance Association’s regional conference in Long Beach, California. The fast-paced, rhythmic piece presented a challenge for the dancers, who rose to the occasion with impressive performances.
Tim Cowart, Associate Professor of Theatre & Dance at WOU, expressed the significance of these residencies: “It was fantastic and a truly inspiring learning experience to work alongside professional dancers in the studio, observing their work ethic, professionalism, kindness, and the inspiring artistry they bring to their work. They made a huge impact on our dance students.”
Typically, Western hosts one guest artist residency per year, but Cowart was fortunate to arrange two this academic year. He emphasized the importance of guest artist programming, allowing students to gain meaningful experiences. In addition, Cowart organized Friday Dance Labs, where students connect via Zoom with guest artists from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These Lab classes are free and open to all WOU students and take place Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Guest artist programming is essential for dance students’ education. Cowart noted the mutual benefits of these partnerships: “We have the infrastructure and a captive, highly interested audience for their work, and they gain experience teaching, choreographing for new dancers, and sharing their vision.” Through these collaborations, dance students gain invaluable on-the-job training, allowing them to develop a broader understanding of the dance world and enhancing their artistic versatility. Additionally, these experiences may lead to future opportunities with professional dance artists after graduation.
Learn more about the Dance and Theatre Department at Western.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.