Dance Commons^™

Pas De Deux Past And Present: Examining The Future Of Partnering Work In The Study Of Teaching And Performance Of Professional Ballet, Madelyn Groth

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the historical evolution and future direction of partnering in ballet, focusing on its technical, aesthetic, and pedagogical progress. Pas de deux is a dance for two, typically performed by a male and female dancers. Traditional pas de deux, found in classical ballet dating back to its the courts of 16th century France, adheres to strict gender roles and aesthetic traditions. However, contemporary choreographers are reimagining partnering dynamics and movement patterns to reflect a more inclusive and diverse approach. Through a historiographical study of ballet and an ethnographic investigation conducted at the Miami City Ballet and the …

Striking Similarities: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Tap Dance And Ballet, Shannon Maloney

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the relationship between tap dance and ballet, two genres of dance often viewed as polar opposites—if they are considered to have any relationship at all. Qualitative research methods were used throughout this process, including consulting texts and videos, conducting ethnographic research by attending the Woodshed Experience tap dance intensive, and choreographing a dance work featuring both tap and ballet dancers. This project investigates the relationship between the genres in the areas of technique, choreography, and pedagogy. There is significant overlap in the techniques of tap dance and ballet in the areas of musicality, polyrhythmic expression, isolated muscle …

Ua68/17 Wku Dance: Creating, Thinking, Artists, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the WKU Dance Program.

Advocating For Tap Dance Through The Study Of Tap Dance Pedagogy, Lindsey Simpson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

In private dance studios today, less importance is placed on students learning tap dance technique compared to other genres of dance, which is likely due to a lack of available teachers with the proper training and understanding of the tap dance technique and pedagogy. As a result, students in many private dance studios are left with limited training opportunities in tap dance, and older dancers that lost the chance to train in tap dance at a young age often become discouraged and uncomfortable with the genre. Because of this, older students need an opportunity to train in tap dance at …

Integrating Creative Writing And Dance - A Reflective Collection, Grace Becker

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This project highlights my dual artistic experiences in dance and creative writing throughout my time at WKU through a portfolio website, where all my work will be available in one place. In this project, I showcase the progression of my writing throughout my undergraduate career. This portfolio includes reflections on each piece. As a writer and dancer, I have learned that skills in both art forms enhance productivity in each area. This project allowed me to reflect on my progress as a writer, dancer, and choreographer, and look forward to how I will continue this integration in my professional career.

Exploring Storytelling In Dance: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Choreography, Sophia Jones

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Storytelling in dance poses a subjective challenge. The lack of concrete guidelines for choreography can create a discrepancy between what is considered successful dance across different genres. This research aims to address this issue by examining the role of space and energy in storytelling and their intersections through genres such as tap, modern, and dance film. Through an analysis of my choreographic works including 777, Memento Mori, Vivid Connections, and Portrait, this study investigates how common choreographic elements contribute to narrative effectiveness.

This study explores the utilization of compositional tools and their application across various genres to convey each piece’s …

Giftedness In Dance: Equitable Audition Procedures & Program Development, Lauren Case

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study explored the perspectives of dance specialists and gifted and talented resource teachers in a large school district in the southeastern region of the United States. Six educators who teach dance, work in auditioning and identification of gifted and talented dancers, and provide service options for gifted and talented identified dance students were interviewed in this qualitative study which focused on best practices in gifted and talented dance identification. Dance specialists’ perspectives of audition structures and characteristics of dance giftedness were examined. Three themes emerged from interviewees in this field of education: audition structures, opportunities and access of dance …

The Reality Of Bipolar Disorder: A Dance Film To Bring Awareness To The Misconceptions Of Mental Health, Julia Woolums

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

For my project, I researched bipolar disorder to create a dance film highlighting the associated symptoms and emotions of hypomanic and depressive episodes. The purpose of this research is to bring awareness to and educate on the reality of these mental health symptoms to reduce mental health stereotypes and stigma. I researched academic texts and peer-reviewed articles about bipolar disorder written from the perspective of those diagnosed with it and used the symptom criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to compose, choreograph, film, and edit my dance film. The completed film showcases what daily life could …

Ua68/17/1 Wku Dance: Creating | Thinking | Artists, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter by and about the WKU Dance Program. Articles:

• Dance on the Hill
• Potter College of Arts & Letters Collaborations
• Guest Speakers: Naila Ansari, Shyama Iyer, Jill Flanders
• Guest Artists: Tyler Gilstrap
• WinterDance
• Last Chance to Dance
• National Dance Education Organization

Ua68/17 Wku Dance: Creating, Thinking, Artists, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the WKU Dance program.

Tap For The Times: A Study Of Contemporary Tap Dance, Elise Wilham

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dance is an American art form that began with the blending of traditional dance styles from English and Irish immigrants and African slaves. Throughout the 20th century, tap dance developed many styles in response to cultural changes that took place. Contemporary tap dance emerged in the latter half of that century and continues developing today with the fusion of other dance genres and new technologies. This research examines tap dance history to create an understanding of how it developed through a historical lens and analyzes the current approaches applied to the artform along with the characteristics and creative processes …

Ua12/2/2 2019 Talisman: Balance, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

2019 Talisman yearbook.

• Mohr, Olivia. Balance
• Lunte, Hailee. That Warm Feeling Autumn Took from Me
• Dozer, Claire. Mother Load – Savannah Ranney
• Hubbs, Annalee. Tap After Hours – Dance
• Lancaster, Emily. Opposites Attract – Maddie Rediker & Cameron Blankenship
• Jones, Sydney. Delving into the Dirty – Taylor Gossage, Lion’s Den
• Chu, Phi. Snow Song
• Gordon, Zora. Spells & Spirit – Kristen Dalby, Witchcraft
• Powers, Noah. What is Left – Kelly Meredith, Identity Theft
• Aklilu, Bethel. Uprooting – International Students
• Steffey, Raegan. The Dirty Art Kids
• Dieudonne, Nadia. Self Starteres – Entrepreneurs
• Bass, Morgan. Young & Partisan – Politics
• Powers, Noah. …

Mccartt-Jackson, Sarah, B. 1982 (Fa 1290), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1290. Student collection titled “’Clogging’s Just Clogging’: The Richard McHargue Cloggers and Approaches to Vernacular Percussive Dance Study” in which Sarah McCartt-Jackson conducts an interview with Richard McHargue, a clogging instructor from Richmond, Kentucky. The interview contains McHargue’s early dancing memories, clogging terms, and opinions about the contemporary state of clogging. The collection also contains a partial transcript, fieldnotes, interview questions, content index, photographs, and the recorded audio interview on CD.

Coggan, Forrest Winston, 1926-2018 (Fa 1282), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1282. Correspondence between Forrest Coggan and Sarah Gertrude Knott as well as other board members, sponsors, teachers, and business partners who conducted work with the National Folk Festival Association. .

Storytelling In Contemporary Ballet, Abbey Lutts

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The goal of my thesis is to challenge the conventions of classical ballet and fully grasp storytelling within contemporary ballet in a way that appeals to modern audiences. I used postpositivist research, historiography, and dance ethnography as modes of research to uncover common themes and trends of traditional ballet, which led to a deeper understanding of contemporary ballet and the modes choreographers and educators use to challenge classical ballet stereotypes. My methodology was to identify common themes from folklore, classical ballet, and traditional storytelling. I have studied traditional folklore and fairytales and have evaluated and reviewed the thematic content of …

She's The Jazz: An Exploration Of Dance And Society In The Age Of The Flapper, Jillian Terry

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The 1920’s, most affectionately known as “The Roaring Twenties,” was a time of dramatic social and political change. Economic growth pushed Americans into an unfamiliar consumer society where people bought the same goods, heard the same songs, danced the same dances, and used the same slang. Prohibition laws led to the underground sale of alcohol in speakeasies where new freedoms were found through communities uniting in music and dance. Here we saw the emergence of flappers. Unlike the generations that came before, these women were seen performing unladylike actions, such as drinking and smoking, while embracing their sexuality. While not …

Women On The Floor: A Study Of Feminism In Modern Dance History, Hannah Mccarthy

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Modern dance evolves everyday with new movement ideas, styles, and teachings. Not only can modern dance be new and innovative, but it can also be a mirror reflection of the current time period. It is an art form often used to make a social statement. It can become a discussion of the past, present, or future. Modern dance informs its audience through an intent chosen by the choreographer or dancers. The intent varies depending on time, space, emotion, and myriad other conditions. My studies will examine how the different periods of modern dance aligned with the waves of the feminist …

Ua12/2/2 2018 Talisman: Grit, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

2018 Talisman yearbook.

• Gibson, Helen. Grit
• Zambrano, Max. Cash Cows – Chaney’s Dairy Barn
• Holt, Delaney. A Quarry Story – White Stone Quarry, Caden Quarry
• McKee, Rylee. Beautiful Grit – BellaMoxi, Dance
• Voorhees, Jessica. Digging Deep – Jean-Luc Houle, Anthropology
• Lucas, Kaley. Black Mountain
• Edwards, Aly. Roots of Stigma – McKenna Vierstra, Jordan Frodge, Max Williams, Robin Farrell
• Eastham, Lillie. Grab ‘Em by the Ballot – Time’s Up Movement
• McCarthy, Hannah. Flesh Memories
• Barritt, Brooklyn. Making a Place at the Table – Dungeons & Dragons
• Gary, Summer. For Adoption: Unwanted Mutt
• Waters, Adrianna. For the Love of Creation – Art …

Ua68/17 What's Happening With Dance On The Hill, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about WKU Dance.

Ua1c6/7 Entertainment Photos, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Images of entertainment events.

Applying Social Media Marketing Content Strategies From The Entertainment Field To Professional Dance, Lindsay Lambert

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Social media is a medium that is becoming increasingly relevant in the marketplace, especially in the arts arena. It is the marketing tool that allows for the more customized engagement between a brand and the target market, often at a lower price than traditional outlets. As a visual industry, dance has a lot of opportunities for content in digital marketing. Other industries in the entertainment realm, such as professional sports or concert music have similar goals with their intended target audiences: develop relationships with consumers to inevitably increase patronage to the organizations’ events. Social media content marketing allows organizations to …

Napier, Patrick E., B. 1925 (Sc 3109), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 3109. “Kentucky Mountain Square Dancing,” by Patrick E. Napier, Burgin, Kentucky. This monograph (52 pp.) provides a brief historical background and describes the elements of square dancing including steps, dress, music and caller. Also included are terms and definitions, and descriptions (with diagrams) of many square dances commonly found in eastern Kentucky.

Hester, Elizabeth Allen "Beth," B. 1956 (Fa 1003), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1003. Paper written by ElizaBeth Hester titled, “It Was Just a Good Wholesome Social Time: The Revival of Square Dance in Meador, Kentucky During the 1930s.” This paper was written as part of an assignment for a folk studies class at Western Kentucky University.

Steps In Time: An Exploration Of Tap Dance Education, Sara Pecina

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dance is an indigenous American art form that not only holds a valuable presence in the world of entertainment but also boasts an important historical background. From the slave quarters on plantations to Hollywood’s silver screen, the development of tap dance mirrors the story of American history. Tap dance must be preserved because of its cultural significance in American history; likewise, it is imperative for dancers to understand its development in order to appreciate the art and for today’s artists to continue the growth and presence of tap dance in America. However, many dance educators today focus solely on …

Ua12/2/2 2016 Talisman - Life More Life, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

2016 Talisman yearbook.

• Paris, Rachel. Dawn of Delta Zeta
• Ziege, Nicole. Kick It to the Limit – Soccer
• Paris, Rachel. Immersion: Band
• Houston, Emily. Immersion: Dance
• Paris, Rahcel. Immersion: ROTC
• Ziege, Nicole. Immersion: Theatre
• Holt, Delaney. Major Pride – WKU Majorette Style Dance Team
• Houston, Emily. Hollow Spike – Volleyball
• Moscoe, Carrie. The Intergallactic Tightrope – Elliott Talkington, Theatre & Dance
• Gilliam, Ashely. Tops on Top – Cheerleaders
• Young, Kreable. A Grand Adventure – Grand Canyon, Outdoor Recreation Activity Center
• Voorhees, Jessica. Home Team Advantage – Track & Field
• Homecoming
• Sproles, Katherine. Saddle School – Dylan Davis, Rodeo
• Sims, Bryna. …

Ua68/17 Wku Dance: Creating Thinking Artists, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about WKU Dance program.

• Welcoming New Professors - Meghen McKinley, Kylene Stephens
• 2015-2016 Performance Season
• Guest Artists - Banning Bouldin, Andrea Shelley, Jon Lehrer, Denise Vale, Brian Grant
• National Dance Education Organization Student Chapter
• National Honors Society for Dance Arts Student Chapter
• Dance Showcase
• Sumer Studies
• WKU Dance Intensive

Backwards In High Heels: Examining The Careers And Artistic Contributions Of Fred Astaire’S Female Dance Partners, Fiona Mowbray

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This project examines the careers and contributions of three of Fred Astaire’s female dancing partners during the golden age of movie musicals: Ginger Rogers, Vera-Ellen, and Cyd Charisse. These women receive less recognition than their male co-star, due in part to the political and social environment from the 1930s to the 1950s in America, sexism and competition within Hollywood, and personal obstacles. Rogers, Vera-Ellen, and Charisse are all important as individual performers as well as for the part they played in enhancing Astaire’s legacy. My goal is to bring these women back into the musical theatre narrative in a compact …

Fusion Of Art Forms Across The World: An Examination Of Contemporary Dance Improvisation In England And America, Jade Primicias

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Artists in the dance world are now experimenting with new and more varied subgenres of contemporary dance such as contemporary dance improvisation, but audience reception of this type of work is incongruent from country to country, and even from place to place within one nation. In America, the artistry spans from those who are making breakthroughs and experimenting with new techniques to companies which continue to perform celebrated repertoire. Because of London’s role as a world leader in the arts, and its geographical location in England, avant-garde artistry is especially common throughout that nation. The author spent time studying in …

Ua68/17 Wku Dance Program: Creating Thinking Artists, Issue 3, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the dance program.

• New Beginnings
• Summer Intensives
• A Holiday Extravaganza
• Evening of Dance 2015
• Dance Project 2015
• Guest Artists - Cornelius Carter, Karen Williams, Victor Alexander
• Inaside Choreographic Sponsorship Event
• Dance in Italy
• National Dance Education Organization - WKU Student Chapter
• Summer 2015
• Save the Date!

Ua68/17/3 Potter College Of Arts & Letters Theatre & Dance Film/Video/Audio File, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Recordings of Theatre & Dance performances.