DA N C E
GUEST ARTISTS
A vital part of the UNL Dance Program is its robust guest artist and masterclass programs. The program tries to bring in at least two or three guest artists of its own for 10-day residencies each year, in addition to their partnership with the Lied Center for Performing Arts to offer masterclasses with the dance companies that visit the Lied Center each year. “It’s given our students contact with people in other places,” Ourada said. “And it just gives them a different vision of things.” Previous residencies have included Jennifer Nugent, Lauren Simpson, Paul Besaw, Melissa Templeton and Jeff Curtis, among others. Lied Center residencies have included Troika Ranch, Pilobolus, STREB, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, among others. Other Lied Center masterclasses have included Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, Hubbard Street Dance, Martha Graham Dance Company, and many more of the biggest names in dance. A number of Broadway touring productions have also held masterclasses with dance students, including cast members from South
Susan Ourada teaches Modern Dance I class in front of Love Library on Sept. 17, 2020. Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication.
M E E T T H E FAC U LT Y
UNL Dance students participate in a masterclass with Rennie Harris Puremovement in January 2019. Photo by Justin Mohling.
Susan Ourada A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R O F D A N C E Currently teaching: Dance Composition, Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention, Dance Pedagogy and Modern Dance.
Ourada is Associate Professor and Head of the UNL Dance Program. After earning her M.F.A. from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Ourada taught at several colleges in New England before coming to Nebraska in 2004. Ourada is the founder of sloDance, an itinerant band of performers, with whom making and presenting work is sheer joy. W H Y D O YO U DA N C E ? I first began my study of dance at a very strict, but loving, ballet studio in New York City under the tutelage of former Ballet Russe principal dancers. I loved the structure and the rigor of ballet, always trying to do more: more turns, higher jumps, faster feet. I discovered Modern Dance in college. My eyes were opened to new and exciting facets of creativity and invention. It was true love! As my career has progressed, my passions in dance slowly shifted from seeking physical virtuosity to seeking to create dances that honor the capabilities of the people performing.
Pacific, In the Heights, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, and more. FALL 2021 | HIXSON-LIED COLLEGE of FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
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