As a leader, I believe that all actions must come from a place of service. I strive to be a dynamic, innovative, calm, and present leader who listens to understand, and guides with a steady gaze forward. I believe that a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences must be a priority as we build upon our rich dance legacies and history towards an equitable and inclusive future. To that end, I work to create an environment where students, faculty, and staff feel safe, supported, challenged, and inspired. Collaboration is the root of my mission and is ever present in my leadership. Dance is a field that relies on the work of others, it is impossible to create dance in a vacuum and equally impossible to lead from a place of absolutes.
I am currently serving at Associate Chair and Director of Dance at University of South Carolina. In addition, my time on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and as director of the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival, has given me hands-on experience in strategic planning, budgetary considerations, marketing and securing dance company contracts.
I am currently serving at Associate Chair and Director of Dance at University of South Carolina. In addition, my time on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and as director of the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival, has given me hands-on experience in strategic planning, budgetary considerations, marketing and securing dance company contracts.
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My Five Pillars of Academic Leadership:
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Administrative Positions
Associate Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance, University of South Carolina, 2021-present
Primary duties are in support of the overall academic programs. The Associate Chair has departmental signature authority and serves as department executive in the chair’s absence.
Responsibilities: Create and report University assessment plans for all MFA, MA, and BA programs in the Theatre and Dance Department, coordinate safety protocols for live performance during COVID-19, participate in season selection and support collaborative efforts between Theatre & Dance.
Director of Dance, Department of Theatre and Dance, University of South Carolina, 2020-present
Primary administrator over matters pertaining to undergraduate dance students, programs, and artistic endeavors.
Responsibilities: Coordinate departmental dance productions and fundraising activities, oversee production and guest artist budgets, organize scholarship and audition process, spearhead recruitment efforts, advise students in academic coursework and departmental trajectory, oversee NASD reaccreditation, supervise Athletic Trainer in care and treatment of dancers, supervise administrative assistant for dance, support faculty initiatives and projects, coordinate guest artist residencies, direct curriculum adjustments, create and coordinate academic schedule, identify and communicate with adjunct faculty and accompanists.
International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Dance Educators’ Committee, Co-Chair, 2021-present
The Dance Educators' Committee provides educational resources for dance teachers, dance students, parents, and dancers; and promotes healthy discourse between them and the allied health practitioners who provide their care. The committee is responsible for the development of the Annual Conference's special interest day, A Day for Teachers; oversees the annual Dance Educator Award; and produces IADMS resource papers, blog posts, and posters.
International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Board of Directors, 2019-2021
IADMS board members are elected by its membership to represent the constituency and provide guidance and expertise to advance the organization’s mission.
Responsibilities: Strategic plan revision, finance committee member, staff evaluation protocols, Board Liaison for Dance Educators’ Committee, chair of conference planning working group.
Director of the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival, 2006-2019
Two-week festival hosted on the University of Wyoming campus that offers high quality training for the underserved communities in Wyoming. The goal is to maintain low tuition rates while still bringing professional teachers and companies to the festival
Responsibilities: Securing and negotiating company performances and contracts, communication with theatre and company technical staff, coordinating class schedules, maintaining budget, writing yearly arts council grants, curriculum development, designing posters and programs for productions, communicating with donors, managing staff and interns.