Feelings in motion

The Wright State University Dance Program hosted dozens of emerging choreographers and dancers from around the country during a unique 12-day day festival.

Organized by the Regional Dance America, the 62st National Choreography Intensive (NCI) took place in Wright State’s Creative Arts Center from June 19 to July 1. This is the second consecutive year Wright State’s Dance Program hosted the NCI.

During the National Choreography Intensive, choreographers took classes on the concepts and craft of choreography and set new work with dancers each day. The dancers took daily dance technique classes followed by rehearsals and performances of new works.

“It’s amazing to be around people so young to have passion for something that I have passion for,” said Sean Ferguson, a 2023 Wright State alumnus and NCI choreographer. “Dance is just a non-verbal way to express my feelings in motion.”

Almost 100 high school, college and post-college dancers and choreographers participated in the festival. Many of the participants received scholarships at their regional festivals to attend the national festival, and a number of the choreographers are working professionals.

“These dancers come from across the United States,” said Erika Davis, CEO of Reginal Dance America. “We have students from Wright State as well that are participating.”

The festival’s faculty included several Wright State dance faculty members: Gina Walther, associate professor and head of dance, who taught modern dance; Greg Robinson, instructor in dance, who taught ballet; and Ashley Walton Pabst, instructor in dance, who taught contemporary dance.

Walther said the festival exposed dancers and choreographers from around the country to the fantastic Dance Program and modern facilities in Wright State’s School of Fine and Performing Arts.

“The reach is far and wide,” said Walther.

The festival culminated with a Final Showcase of choreography and dance on July 1 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.