Julie Ahlander has had an illustrious career in the arts! From being Artistic Director, and then Co-Artistic Director with Nick Cendese, for the Dance Company at South Valley Creative Dance for 13 years to traveling with a rising star boy band for 18 months, she has taught and choreographed all sorts of interesting projects in the community, in education and for corporations. She was on the board for the Utah Dance Education Organization (UDEO) from 2005-2007, is on her fifth year as Associate Producer of The Forgotten Carols tour and taught adjunct for a few semesters at UVU and for 10 years at BYU.
While at BYU she was on the Ballroom Dance Backup Team, choreographed for dancEnsemble, worked with Les Ditson on Impulse Improv and made Dancers’ Company (now CDT), although she wasn’t able to accept that spot due to scheduling conflicts at the time. She was a student assistant to Cathy Black — one of her favorite people ever — and served with the Society of Dance History Scholars, assisting Black as treasurer of the group.
She’s grateful for the opportunity she had to take two semesters of the theatre management class at BYU. Paul Duerden, who managed the HFAC theatres at the time, taught it well. He now manages the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.
“Knowing the business side and the creative side of things is why I’ve been able to stay working in the arts,” Ahlander said. “To do and understand both has definitely served me well. I learned so much taking that class.”
Ahlander grew up in Oklahoma taking ballet, jazz and tap over the years. In college at Oklahoma State she became a Musical Theatre major. After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she transferred to BYU as a junior. Her first modern dance class ever was taught by Peggy Caughey and Ahlander was hooked. She had found her niche! She completely switched her focus to contemporary dance and has loved it ever since! She finished at BYU with her MA in choreography.
She loved her time at BYU and continued to teach as an adjunct instructor for over 10 years. She feels blessed to have learned from BYU Dance faculty Pat Debenham, Marilyn Berrett and many other inspirational professors and colleagues throughout the years.
atimetodance.news.blog 