BSU Dance Company

BSU Dance Company. The BSU Dance Company is the premier student performance ensemble within the Department of Theatre Arts at Boise State University. It serves as a vital creative laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students, providing professional-level performance experience. The company is integral to the university's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance program, emphasizing both technical mastery and artistic innovation.

History

The ensemble was established alongside the formalization of dance studies at Boise State University, evolving from student-led performance groups into a structured company. Its development paralleled the growth of the College of Arts and Sciences and the expansion of fine arts offerings at the university. Key figures in its founding included early faculty within the Department of Theatre Arts who advocated for dance as a discrete discipline. The company's history reflects broader trends in American higher education regarding the integration of performing arts into university curricula, similar to ensembles at institutions like the University of Utah or Arizona State University.

Repertoire and style

The company's repertoire is notably eclectic, spanning techniques from classical ballet and Martha Graham-inspired modern dance to jazz dance, contemporary dance, and hip hop dance culture. Each season typically includes works by faculty choreographers, guest artists, and student choreographers, often premiering original pieces. The artistic style emphasizes versatility, with dancers expected to be proficient in multiple techniques, a philosophy aligned with the training at institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater school. Repertoire has included reconstructions of works by noted choreographers and interdisciplinary collaborations with the Boise State Music Department and Boise State Art Department.

Performances and tours

The company presents annual mainstage concerts in venues such as the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and the Danny Peterson Theatre on the Boise State University campus. It is a frequent participant in the American College Dance Association regional conferences, where it has garnered awards for performance and choreography. The ensemble has undertaken performance tours across the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, appearing at high schools, community festivals, and other universities. Notable performances include collaborations with the Boise Philharmonic and featured pieces at events like Treefort Music Fest.

Notable alumni and faculty

Alumni of the company have pursued diverse careers in professional dance, arts administration, and education. Many have joined professional companies such as Ballet Idaho, ODC/Dance in San Francisco, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, or have founded their own ensembles. Distinguished faculty who have shaped the company include choreographers and scholars recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. The artistic direction has often been held by professionals with backgrounds in major national companies, contributing to the ensemble's rigorous standards.

Affiliations and recognition

The company operates under the academic umbrella of the Boise State University Department of Theatre Arts and maintains affiliations with the National Dance Education Organization. Its work is regularly supported by grants from the Associated Students of Boise State University and the Boise State Arts and Humanities Institute. The ensemble's achievements in choreography and performance have been recognized through awards at the American College Dance Association's Northwest Region festivals. It also maintains collaborative ties with local professional organizations like Ballet Idaho and Trey McIntyre Project, providing mentorship and performance opportunities for students.

Category:Boise State University Category:Dance companies in the United States Category:Student dance companies