University of Maryland Repertory Dance Company

University of Maryland Repertory Dance Company is a renowned dance company based at the University of Maryland, College Park, which is part of the University System of Maryland. The company is known for its diverse repertoire, which includes works by famous choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, and Twyla Tharp. The company has performed at various venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The company's performances often feature collaborations with other artists and companies, such as the Washington Ballet and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

● History

The company was founded in the 1970s by Elizabeth Keen, a former dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of dance, with a focus on Modern Dance and Contemporary Dance. Over the years, the company has been influenced by various dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz Dance, and Hip-Hop Dance, as seen in the works of choreographers such as Bob Fosse and Pina Bausch. The company has also been shaped by its association with other dance companies, such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. The company's history is also marked by its performances at various festivals, including the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and the American Dance Festival.

● Company Structure

The company is composed of students from the University of Maryland, College Park's Department of Dance, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The company is led by its artistic director, who is responsible for selecting the repertoire and overseeing the production of performances. The company also has a team of rehearsal directors, including Ohad Naharin and William Forsythe, who work with the dancers to perfect their technique and interpretation of the choreography. The company's structure is also influenced by its relationship with other departments at the university, such as the School of Music and the Department of Theatre, which provide opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary work.

● Performances and Repertoire

The company's repertoire includes a wide range of works, from classic pieces by Merce Cunningham and José Limón to contemporary works by Crystal Pite and Akram Khan. The company has also commissioned new works from emerging choreographers, such as Kyle Abraham and Camille A. Brown. The company's performances often feature live music, including collaborations with musicians such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. The company has also performed at various venues, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Dance Theater of Harlem. The company's repertoire is also influenced by its participation in various dance festivals, including the DanceUSA Festival and the National Dance Festival.

● Notable Alumni and Faculty

The company has a long list of notable alumni, including Sara Rudner, a former dancer with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, and David Dorfman, a choreographer and dancer who has worked with companies such as the Batsheva Dance Company. The company's faculty includes renowned choreographers and dancers, such as Liz Lerman and Bebe Miller, who have worked with companies such as the Trisha Brown Dance Company and the Martha Graham Dance Company. The company's alumni and faculty have also been recognized with various awards, including the Bessie Award and the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award.

● Community Engagement and Outreach

The company is committed to community engagement and outreach, with a focus on promoting dance education and appreciation in the Washington, D.C. area. The company offers various programs, including dance classes and workshops, which are taught by company members and faculty, such as Judith Jamison and Robert Battle. The company also partners with local schools and community organizations, such as the Washington Performing Arts and the Dance Place, to provide dance education and performances to underserved communities. The company's community engagement efforts are also supported by its participation in various festivals and events, including the National Dance Day and the Dance/USA Conference. The company's outreach programs have been recognized with various awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts grant and the Maryland State Arts Council award. Category:Dance companies in the United States