WKU Dance Program

Wait, did someone put September on fast forward? ⏩ The semester is just flying by! See more photos from this month in our WKU Week in Photos album: bit.ly/46nhQmb #WKU #FallAtWKU @WKUMusicDept @WKUPcal @WKUDanceprogram @WKUTheatreDance @CHHS_WKU

The intensive will close with a performance on Saturday, June 24 featuring university faculty and guest artist choreography. Learn more at wku.edu/theatre-and-dance/su… 📸 Clinton Lewis of @wku & Kyra Rookard of @WKUPcal

Whether practicing new genres, analyzing the history of dance, participating in workshops, or exploring opportunities on the Hill, attendees are advancing their skills all week long in new and exciting ways. “Intensive attendees will begin to learn to think outside the box in their movement habits to then begin to build new phrases for choreography. All aspects of these special topics are to spark new ideas, learning experiences, and ways of thinking about how the body moves, how it can create, and where our lineage of dance came from! All important aspects of becoming a well-rounded dancer,“ McKinley noted. #WKU #JourneyToTheTop #SummerAtWKU #HighSchool #SummerCamp #DanceOnTheHill #Dance #IAmPCAL

Meghen McKinley, an Associate Professor of Dance with the WKU Department of Theatre and Dance, highlighted visiting artists as a key component that help to create a unique environment for aspiring college dancers. “What makes our intensive special is the offerings of regional guest artists as well as lecture and practice based classes. These reflect what our dancers experience within the program while here. Choreography, Improvisation, Dance History, and Anatomy/Somatics based classes allow dancers to get a glimpse of what other fields, interests, and educational possibilities there are within the dance degree,“ shared McKinley. #WKU #JourneyToTheTop #SummerAtWKU #HighSchool #SummerCamp #DanceOnTheHill #Dance #IAmPCAL

In addition, regional guest artists annually join WKU faculty members to share unique experiences with attendees. This year’s featured guest artist was Sankofa African Drum and Dance Company, a Tennessee-based performing arts company that aims to educate about and share an appreciation for African culture and music. #WKU #JourneyToTheTop #SummerAtWKU #HighSchool #SummerCamp #DanceOnTheHill #Dance #IAmPCAL

Each day, dancers balanced classes, workshops on special topics, and rehearsals in an enriching, supportive environment. The week also offered opportunities to learn about the WKU experience from current Hilltoppers and time to bond with fellow participants. With sessions dedicated to ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and improv, dancers experienced a wide range of genres. #WKU #JourneyToTheTop #SummerAtWKU #HighSchool #SummerCamp #DanceOnTheHill #Dance #IAmPCAL

Reaching for new heights on the dance floor. 🩰 As part of the WKU Summer Dance Intensive, presented by the @WKUDanceprogram, intermediate to advanced dancers in grades 9-12 spent a week on the Hill expanding their skills and previewing life as a college dance major. Read more in the thread below 🧵⤵️ #WKU #JourneyToTheTop #SummerAtWKU #HighSchool #SummerCamp #DanceOnTheHill #Dance #IAmPCAL @WKUPcal @WKUTheatreDance

“At its simplest, I know how positive of an impact dance has made on my life, and I want to make that impact available to everyone regardless of physical or mental ability.” Read Louisville senior Jaclyn Schiess' story: bit.ly/3iMeWk4 #WKU @WKUDanceprogram @WKUPcal

High school dancers from as far away as Georgia and North Carolina are at #WKU this week for @WKUDanceprogram's Summer Dance Intensive. It also serves as a great recruiting tool, as Amy Bingham explains in this week’s View from the Hill. bit.ly/2Tt04y2 #DanceOnTheHill