2003-04 YEAR IN REVIEW
DANCE
OFA Dance Program Gains Visibility on National Scene
American College Dance Festival
Development of New Dance Center at the Radcliffe Quadrangle
OFA Dance Program Gains Visibility
Dance at Harvard has flourished in recent years. In 1994, a dozen dance groups were officially registered by the college; a decade later, 21 groups are presenting performances, conducting community outreach in local schools, and participating inóand winningóregional and national competitions. The OFA Dance Program continues to be a vital part of this broad activity; this year, the program initiated new instructional and performing concepts, and Harvardís dance reputation in higher education continued to grow. Enrollment figures indicate that 465 undergraduates and 306 graduate students and Harvard affiliates participated in the program's co-curricular courses over two semesters. The program, which serves as the primary resource for this field at Harvard, produced six concerts, five master classes and guest choreographer events. This yearís highlights included:
American College Dance Festival
Eleven Harvard undergraduates participated in the American College Dance Festival regionals, which were held in February at Smith College, Northampton (MA). The mission of the Festival is to support and affirm the role of dance in higher education, and to foster creative potential and artistic excellence in choreography and performance. Winners of its annual competition, adjudicated and critiqued by established professionals, represent the highest level of excellence in the dance academy. Of the works presented by Harvard students, one by Rebecca Alaly '05 was selected to advance to the national festival gala at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. In June, three undergraduates performed Alalyís work at the gala accompanied and guided by Dance Director Elizabeth Bergmann.
Development of New Dance Center
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study will claim the Rieman Center for the Performing Arts in 2005 for use by its fellows. Under the leadership of Associate Dean Judith Kidd, a committee of Office for the Arts staff, College and FAS representatives, and two undergraduate dancers met throughout 2003-04 to plan a new home for dance in the Quad Recreation and Athletic Center. The project is led by FAS Planning and is being designed by the Cambridge architectural firm of Bruner/Cott & Associates, Inc.
Harvard Contemporary Dance Ensemble, a new touring company made up of advanced students, alumni/ae, and instructors, performed at Harvard and other touring locations in New England. Repertory included works by Mark Morris, Sean Curran, and other professional choreographers.
Prima ballerina of the legendary George Balanchineís New York City Ballet, Suzanne Farrell was interviewed by New Yorker dance critic Joan Acocella in a public forum on April 15, co-sponsored by the OFAís Learning From Performers and Dance Programs. Ms. Farrell also taught a master class comprised of 15 of Harvardís advanced ballet students. Ms. Farrell received an Honorary Degree at Commencement in June
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
