Department of Dance Performs at American College Dance Association’s Regional Conference

Webster University’s Department of Dance recently attended the American College Dance Association’s (ACDA) North Central Conference in Northfield, Minnesota. Seventeen Webster University dance majors, along with faculty members Maggi Dueker and Xi Zhao, traveled north for the four-day event. The group participated in master classes, lectures and performances alongside faculty and students from 25 other colleges and universities.

“The ACDA regional conference is a grand gathering and an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to exchange ideas and learn,” shared Zhao. “Each day was filled with various themed classes and workshops. Students learned new techniques, made new friends, broadened their horizons and gained inspiration.”

Each ACDA conference hosts a series of performances, including informal and adjudicated offerings. Webster presented three pieces at this year’s ACDA conference. Converse, choreographed by Ashley Mason, BFA ’23, appeared in one of three informal concerts. Eurhythmics, choreographed by current Webster dance student Faith Carson, and we shrivel in our uncertainty, choreographed by Josiah Gundersen, BFA ’19, were presented as part of one of four adjudicated concerts during the conference.

Faith Carson, Megan Burton and Dillon Shaw smile for a photo. The group performed Eurhythmics at the ACDA conference.

Conference adjudicators included esteemed dance makers and scholars, such as Peter DiMuro, Danah Bella and James Morrow. DiMuro, Bella and Morrow provided direct feedback for each of the works performed.

“Having the chance to perform at this year's adjudication concert added a new level to this already enriching experience,” shared Marlee Doniff, BFA ’23, who performed in we shrivel in our uncertainty. “The feedback given in the adjudication process offered a fresh perspective that has the potential to reshape the work. Hearing how this work resonated with audience members from across the region was gratifying and unifying.”

The adjudicators selected 11 pieces out of the 40 presented for the conference's concluding gala concert — including we shrivel in our uncertainty.

“It is always a tremendous honor to have a piece chosen for the gala performance at ACDA,” shared Dueker. “I'm particularly delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase the work of a recent Webster Dance alum, Josiah Gundersen. Together, with performers Marlee Doniff and Ally Lamkie, he crafted a powerful and poignant piece that was praised by the adjudicators for its pacing and the sense of connection it fostered between the dancers.”

Doniff and Lamkie smile for a photo after performing we shrivel in our uncertainty.

The ACDA Conference also allowed two Webster Dance students to share research related to their respective capstone projects. Carson presented Fractured Memories, a piece created for her BFA choreographic project. Doniff spoke about her BA capstone project, which analyzed gender and representation in American concert dance. Both presentations were a part of Webster's Research Across Disciplines (RAD) Conference last fall.

“Having the opportunity to present my research to a group of passionate individuals from the field was a great way to create discourse around a topic I have put so much time and effort into,” shared Doniff. “These important conversations showed me the value of this work and helped guide me in how my research can continue to evolve.”

Marlee Doniff presents her BA capstone project presentation at the ACDA conference.

Webster University’s travel to the ACDA Conference was made possible through the support of the Dance Club's fundraising efforts, a successful crowdfunding campaign through the University, and a Student Government Association grant. Dueker shared appreciation for those who enable the Department of Dance to provide opportunities beyond the classroom setting. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that makes it possible for our dancers to attend this conference,” said Dueker.

Carson explained the value of attending a conference in regard to her future.

“As a young emerging artist, opportunities to connect to others in the field are invaluable. This is an experience I will not soon forget.”

Carson presents her research which ties into her BFA choreographic project, Fractured Memories.