Dance Program Attended the American College Dance Association

This past weekend, students in the Salem State University dance program attended the American College Dance Association (ACDA) New England Regional Conference hosted by the Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA.

Dance majors Mackenzie Trainor and Maya Luna presented self-choreographed works in formal concerts. Nationally renowned professional dance artists offered feedback on these concerts. Mackenzie Trainor's piece, Preciosa, is an ensemble work created as homage to her grandmother and an exploration of fusing the modern dance training she has received at SSU with plena and other social dances of her Puerto Rican heritage. Panelists described the work as a well-crafted, beautiful work of celebration and joy. Of Maya Luna's solo, Al menos tengo la Luna como compañía, the panelists commended the performance of a "fully committed" and "mature dancer" and stated that they were "touched by the work." Dance major Nevaeh Scott presented a self-choreographed solo in an informal showing.

All SSU participants attended classes, talks, networking sessions, and performances throughout the 4-day conference. Professors Meghan McLyman and Betsy Miller taught classes open to conference participants, and Betsy Miller served as an invited panelist on a session regarding producing work post-college.

ACDA is a non-competitive conference that honors the importance of the creative process. 250 students and faculty from 21 universities attended the New England Regional Conference this year.

(Photos by Olivia Moon)