BYU Department of Dance ~PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS~ Fall Semester 2020

Logo BYU Dept of Dance

BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE ~ PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS ~ FOR FALL SEMESTER 2020

Dear Department of Dance faculty,

We are busily preparing for the upcoming fall semester and have thoughtfully evaluated how to best operate in this new and very unusual environment. These evaluations have resulted in new practices, policies and protocols which will allow us to operate as safely as possible while still accomplishing our academic goals. We ask for your co-operation, flexibility and support as we embark upon this new adventure, realizing that much of our student’s experiences will be shaped by how we respond to the current crisis. I echo the admonition of many of our prophets to “look forward with faith”. Thank you for all your efforts, both seen and unseen, that will contribute to the success of this semester. 2020 will certainly be one for the records books — here we go!!!

Curt Holman
Chair, Department of Dance

Studios
• Maximum occupancy in each studio has been lowered.
• If studios have two entrances one will be designated as “entrance” and one as “exit”.

Classes
• Teachers will adapt course work to maximize possible social distancing.
• Masks will be worn by faculty and students when in class (rare, if any, exceptions will be at the discretion of the teacher).
• Students must bring their own masks and hand sanitizer.
• Each class will be responsible to sanitize studio/classroom space at the conclusion of each class.
• Different studios/classrooms may have additional protocols.

Performing companies
• Members of performing companies will go through a symptom/temperature check prior to each rehearsal.


Performances
• All on-campus (ticketed) performances, with public audiences, are cancelled.
• Senior projects/dancEnsemble/Ballet Showcase will have an adapted concert.
• We are happy to announce that the BYU Department Dance will produce a weekly live-streaming event that will give our performing groups an opportunity to have a performance experience this semester. Stand by…. more information to come!

Hallways
• Students should not congregate in hallways and/or lounge areas.

Dance Medicine and Wellness Facility
• Additional protocols have been established for the Dance Medicine and Wellness Facility (formerly known as the training room) to ensure the safety of our staff and students.


Studio availability for practice
• Students must go through the established scheduling protocols to obtain access to studios for practice.
• Masks must be worn at all times when in studios.

BYU Dance Alumni Spotlight: Julie Ahlander, Class of ’93/’96

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. 

A Look Back: Marin Leggat Roper’s Faith and Works Lecture, March 2019

By Marin Leggat Roper, Assistant Professor of Dance, Brigham Young University. Originally presented at the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications monthly lectures series: Faith and Works, on Thursday March 7, 2019. Reprinted with permission and edited by author.

08/06/2020 ~ A Special Excerpt for the BYU Department of Dance’s Blog, A Time To Dance

What does the moving body teach us about Yielding?

Helaman 3:35 – 35 ~ Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

from the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

The scriptures teach us to yield our heart. Yielding is also an important concept in dance training. The physiological principle is that, in our attempts to dance LARGE, jump HIGH, reach FAR in our dancing, we first have to YIELD, meaning literally releasing the binding in our muscles, the grip or hold. Dancers who don’t yield won’t be able to get the spring, lift, height, fullness (“ballon” in ballet). A really important part of dance training, then, is not only training for the BIG moments, but training for the Yield BEFORE the BIG moments (hence, all the plie work dancers do).

A yield doesn’t just collapse, however. In dance, a “yield” is always followed by a “push” out into space. In dance, this is called, “Yield to Push phrasing.” And, wow, we practice that a LOT. The body yields to prime the neuromuscular system to receive the push back from the earth and channel that line of energy through our body in the most functional way, in order to fulfill our intent in space.

Just as yielding primes the body to receive energy necessary for propulsion, yielding our hearts primes our spirit to receive – to receive what? – spiritual promptings, personal revelation, the promptings of the Holy Spirit that will also propel us towards action or change of some kind.

How do we Yield our hearts? I suggest we start right here, with our hand on our sternum. I’m aware of physical sensations I feel when I’m NOT yielding, physically or spiritually. I feel a grip, and tightening or binding: in my thoughts, in my heart, even in my muscles. When I identify these physical sensations, it usually means there is resistance happening somewhere in my life.

So, I breathe. I pause, I release, and I listen deeply. I receive.

Take a minute or two to keep your hand on your sternum, breath, soften and yield and be open to receive. Sense any physical felt sensations in the body. No need to describe, to conceptualize or wrap words around anything. Be aware of felt physical sensation, and any urging towards action…

“Faith and Works” lecture, March 8, 2019

Marin Leggat Roper

Madsen Recital Hall, BYU

BYU Dance Alumni Spotlight: Raquelle Madsen Morse, Class of 1996

Raquelle Madsen Morse is the owner of the Tallahassee School of Dance (a small private studio in Florida) which focuses on inclusiveness and outreach (below). Above: Then and now, (L-R) Morse as a student at BYU in 1995, her family now, and with her husband, Jon, still dancing every chance she gets.

“Everyone deserves a chance to fly.”

~ Raquelle Madsen Morse

Raquelle Madsen Morse, BYU Class of 1996, BA in Dance, started her private home studio after she graduated from BYU and moved back home to the panhandle of Florida. The Tallahassee School of Dance — and Raquelle herself — is known for lovingly sharing the joy of dance with all who seek it.

A Time to Dance has asked Morse to share some insights on earning her degree in Dance and how that’s impacted her life since then.

“I’ve been thinking about the use of the academic side [of my BA in Dance] and I use it all the time,” Morse said. “In my choreography I utilize historic dance moves I learned about in dance history. In classes I teach, if I see the physical need of a student, I can usually find an exercise because of the anatomy and kinesiology classes I took at BYU.”

“But the most important time I’ve used those classes, was when my last kid was born,” Morse continued. “He had two massive strokes. I was able to understand what the doctors were saying and have been able to follow and repeat the exercises his physical therapist assigned to us. Because of my training I can see if his feet are turning in the wrong way and other things like that. It has honestly been a huge blessing to have the academic side of my BA.”

Morse uses her skills in more creative ways, as well, to serve in her community.

“I’m also the official choreographer for Montford Middle School in town,” she said. “That’s super fun!”

What would she tell current BYU Dance students, in light of all that’s changing in the world?

“My best experience advice would be to look outside the norm,” Morse said. “My favorite experiences have been teaching kids with special needs.”

Morse has had a great impact on her community over the years, helping countless students — and their families — enjoy dance regardless of their challenges.

From a parent in her community: “My daughter is 10 years old and has sensory issues. She loves to dance, but there are times the combination of the music, tap shoes, and class sizes have overwhelmed her greatly. We just finished up our first year with Ms. Raquelle and it was exactly what she needed. After explaining my daughter’s issues to Ms. Raquelle, she knew exactly how to help her be successful in her dance class. My daughter looked forward to dance each week and cannot wait for it to begin again! It’s been such a relief to finally find something for my daughter that she can enjoy. Patient, kind, loving, knowledgeable, and amazing are all words that describe Ms. Raquelle! We are so grateful! We love Ms. Raquelle!” -Kathy Ladle

These niche opportunities for Morse to teach and serve have opened up naturally in her life over the years. She’s confident that if BYU students keep an open mind and work hard, they will be guided to the types of work that will fit their own skills, interests and talents as well.

“My daughter Jacqueline is coming to BYU in the fall,” Morse concluded. “I am so excited for her! She is not a dancer, but is looking forward to taking some social dance classes.”

Morse believes Dance at BYU is for everyone! She hopes her daughter, as well as all students, faculty and staff across campus, can enjoy performances, beginning classes (which are open to all students!) and any exciting dance-related activities and experiences.

Find more at dance.byu.edu.

[Raquelle Madsen Morse is the owner and teacher at the Tallahassee School of Dance. Raquelle has been dancing since 1980 and started in theater in 1981. She has been trained in ballet, contemporary, musical theater, ballroom, tap, jazz, as well as many other forms of dance. She was a soloist in the Tallahassee Ballet and graduated with a BA in dance. Raquelle started choreographing in 1991 and is currently the choreographer for the Montford Middle School Choral and Theater Department. Raquelle has been teaching since 1994. In 2000 she opened the Tallahassee School of Dance and started an adaptive class in 2004 for children with special needs. She loves working with children of all ages and abilities and truly believes that everyone deserves the chance to fly.]

Grants Awarded to 2 BYU Dance Faculty from the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

Assistant Professors of Dance Rachel Barker (L) and Keely Song (R) both received grants in the dance category, among several CFAC faculty in other disciplines and categories. See Keely’s work Covenant Keepers on YouTube. Rachel’s piece is currently being finished. It’s a collaboration via Zoom with students McCall McClellan in Provo and Maddie Butler in California. Read more…

Students McCall McClellan and Maddie Butler via Zoom. 

New Class for Fall 2020: Advanced Writing for Dance

Have you completed your Advanced Writing and Oral Communication GE requirement yet? 

If not, the new Dance 317: Advanced Writing for Dance is for you! 

When:  Fall semester, MWF, 8:00-8:50am
Who: Best taken sophomore year, but open to any student who has fulfilled the Freshman Writing requirement

What: In this class, you will learn how to:

  • observe and describe live dance performance;
  • research current trends in dance, and use that research to influence others; 
  • write winning grant applications to fund your dance projects.

Why: Research shows that BYU students enjoy discipline-specific Advanced Writing courses more than standard Advanced Writing courses.  This will be a fabulous class that teaches you the specific writing skills you will need throughout your dance career!   

Contact Marin Roper (marin_roper@byu.edu) with any questions.
(Team taught with Professor Shelli Spotts of the Department of English in the College of Humanities — faculty photos above).

Get Involved! Apply Now to Become a DMSR Council Member!

Last year’s 2019-20 DSMR Leadership Council. These BYU Dance Majors are exemplary dancers, students, friends, mentors and go-to assistants for faculty.

If you’re a current dance major, apply now to be a 2020-21 DMSR! It’s a great way to serve and to get involved!

What’s a DMSR you ask? Dance Major Student Reps make up a council of BYU student dance majors who represent all the dance majors in an official BYUSA club. They serve for 1 year, meet twice a month, can earn extra scholarships and are the go-to student leaders for the BYU Department of Dance faculty and staff.

Their official role is “to generate ideas for major activities and communicate mutual concerns between dance majors and faculty. We also aim to help connect students with peers, information, and services that will enrich their university experience and enhance their future dance involvement.”

Now accepting applications for the following positions: 


Vice President (Junior) 
Dance Ed Rep
Dance BA Rep 
Dance BFA Rep
Secretary 
Folk Rep
Ballroom Rep
Ballet Rep
Contemporary Rep 
SDEO Rep (Student Dance Education Organization – for Dance Ed majors)

Pictured are last year’s talented DMSRs, lead by President Sasha Chopelas! New applications for the coming academic year are being accepted now, and will be closing on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

We would love to see all dance majors get involved! There are more opportunities to serve throughout the year, as well, for any student who wants to help or meet new friends. Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop clubs have meetings and masterclasses throughout the year. Preview Day for transfer students and high school seniors also affords students ways to contribute and reach out to new or younger students. 


BYU Dance students from various genres prepare to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with prospective students at Preview Day 2019.

Introducing Your New BYU DMSR President…

Tera Taylor Egbert!

Tera Taylor Egbert is the BYU Department of Dance’s newest student president of the Dance Major Student Representatives (DMSRs)!

Originally from Sacramento, California, she is a Dance Education major with an emphasis in contemporary dance. She has performed with dancEnsemble, Kinnect Dance Company and Contemporary Dance Theatre. During summer 2019, she attended the Contemporary Dance Study Abroad around Europe and loves to be involved in the dance major. She is so excited to take on this leadership role this year and to get to know more dance majors and pre-majors in the department.

“It is really fun and enjoyable to plan events for the dance majors,” Tera said. “You get to build connections with the dance majors and incoming freshmen. You get to know the faculty as you plan events, and it looks great on a resume and also looks great when you are applying for the scholarship in the dance department because it shows your involvement in the dance department.”

Tera is excited to review applications for DMSR Council members for 2020-21. Apply today with the Google form. Applications accepted through Wed, July 15, 2020. It’s a great opportunity to serve and to get involved!

“I choose to dance because it is part of who I am.”

~ Tera Taylor Egbert

To Our Dance Family…We Are Listening

To Our Dance Family,

The BYU Department of Dance is taking these words of BYU President Kevin J. Worthen (See full statement here) to heart by preparing ongoing actions to bring about changes addressing racial injustice and inequality.

The recent letter from Ed Adams, dean of the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC), to students and faculty states: 

“I hope as a community we are committed to change, not just making statements… Despite our good intentions, we know we all need to be better and do more to dismantle these poisons in our society. Now is the time for us to listen, learn and do our part, and we are committed to a sustained effort.”             ~ Dean Ed Adams, CFAC

As dance faculty we celebrate diversity and acknowledge that we have work to do to assist in creating changes for a more just society, in our classrooms, on our stages and within our community.

In the meantime, we invite you to keep watch on our social media accounts as we celebrate some of the diverse dance voices that have impacted and contributed to our department.

~ Your Department of Dance

Comments are welcomed and encouraged below.

“We need to foster fundamental respect for the human dignity of every human soul regardless of their color, creed or cause. And we need to work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of segregation.”

~ President Russell M. Nelson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

(See his full statement here from The Church News, June 1, 2020, or his social media accounts.)

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