Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Dear Friends of Dance,

As the air becomes crisp and the leaves begin to turn, our studios are filled with the wonderful energy of artistic exploration and scholarship in dance. To begin, we welcomed 26 talented freshmen dance majors into our School of Dance community. From the first day of classes, the excitement has been palpable.

During the first week of the semester, Donna Kidd and Peter Stearns and Mike Brown and Buffy Price hosted the annual Freshmen Dance Welcome at the Country Club of Fairfax. This elegant event has become a treasured tradition in the School of Dance. The evening provides an official introduction of our newest young artists to our Dance Partnership Council and our closest dance supporters. We enjoyed learning about these talented dancers and why they chose Mason!

ARTS by George! included another wonderful opportunity to introduce the class of 2027 to our friends and audience members. 

The freshmen swooped and swirled through the space in their first official presentation as members of the Mason Dance Company, prior to a performance of my work, In Memory by two distinct casts. Associate Professor Lawrence Jackson and Dr. William Lake, Jr. (School of Music) were once again together to share their collaboration with a rousing performance of Come Sunday. The work was met with a standing ovation.

While March may seem far away, auditions and residencies are already in progress for our 2024 Mason Dance Company Gala Concert. 

The Freshman Dance Class of 2027 Photo by Susan Brionez

We are incredibly excited for this year’s program including the work of revered choreographers Kyle Abraham, Rena Butler, Martha Graham and our very own Susan Shields. Be sure to watch for previews on our website and social media this fall. In addition to our guest artist residencies, we are fortunate to have master classes with members of the Malpaso Dance Company and the National Dance Company of Korea.

In November, Fall: New Dances kicks off our robust 2023-2024 performance season, this year for the first time annually in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The program includes works by Mason faculty members Shaun D’Arcy, Christina Robson, and myself, in addition to new works created by our talented majors. December performances include Fall: Dance Innovations and the Studio Series, showcasing works choreographed by our talented Senior and Junior dance majors, performed their peers.

We look forward to sharing our work with you!

Thank you for being a friend,
Karen

The Mason School of Dance Class of 2024

The senior class shares their favorite memories of their time in Mason's School of Dance.

Jumana Al Rafai (BFA 2017) arrived at Mason from Kuwait with big dreams and is now living those dreams after opening Haraka Center for Movement Arts in Kuwait. Hear about the skills Jumana gained from Mason that have aided her in teaching and opening her school and dance company!

There are 251 University dance programs in the USA, only a handful have a full-time, in-house Athletic Trainer. Mason’s School of Dance is among the very first.

Meet our resident Athletic Trainer, Dr. Jena Hansen-Honeycutt.

Student Comment: “Working with Jena has changed my mindset on personal health and wellness as a whole! She connects the mind processes to the body, helping insight a deeper understanding of my intrinsic senses that work to bring me sustainable healing. Jena has taught me that my body knows exactly what it needs to heal, and the power that comes from tapping in! I love her approach because she makes me feel that I am in more control of my progress and health than I previously thought. Digging deep and understanding my power has been life-changing and I am grateful to Jena for illuminating the possibilities that have brought me genuine health and happiness.” 

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Collective effervescence is the feeling of energy and harmony that occurs when people are engaged in a shared experience. It is the joie de vivre that manifests when the audience erupts in simultaneous applause. We can find our greatest joy in sharing these moments of collective effervescence *

*Adapted from an article by Dr. Zachary Cohen

Fall: New Dances

Friday, November 3 8:00pm
Saturday, November 4 8:00pm

Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus

Join us for the inaugural presentation of Fall: New Dances in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

The Mason Dance Company will perform works by Faculty members Shaun D’Arcy, Christina Robson, Director Karen Reedy and student choreographers.

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Fall: Dance Innovations

Friday, December 1 8:00pm
Saturday December 2 8:00pm

Harris Theatre

Featuring new works choreographed and performed by the Mason Dance Company.

Fall: Studio Series

Tuesday, December 5
6:00pm & 8:00pm

deLaski Performing Arts Building, A301
Dance Performance Studio

A showcase of new works choreographed and performed by the Mason Dance Company.

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Mason Dance Gala Concert

Friday and Saturday, March 22 & 23, 2024 8:00pm
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus

The Gala Concert is Mason Dance Company’s crowning season event featuring a program of works by contemporary professional choreographers.

The 2024 program will feature works by Kyle Abraham, Rena Butler, Martha Graham, and Susan Shields performed by the talented Mason dancers, the next generation of professional dance artists.

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Mason Dance Fête

Saturday, March 23, 2024 5:30pm
Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus

Experience the joy of dance in a festive atmosphere at the Dance Fête, an exclusive event for sponsors and donors who support School of Dance students. Proceeds from the event directly support student scholarships.

The pre-performance Fête celebrates the extraordinary talents of the School of Dance faculty and students. Learn what it takes to produce this powerful and remarkable art form directly from the dancers and faculty through interactive studio demonstrations and gain insight into the evening's performance. Enjoy hors d'oeurves and beverages with fellow dance supporters and School of Dance special guests. Tickets for the Fête include admission to the Saturday evening Dance Gala Concert. To sponsor or join the invitation list, contact Amanda Snellings at asnelli@gmu.edu or 703-993-1593.

Clayton Willis, BFA Dance, George Mason University, cum laude 2018, is a D.C. based nonprofit administrator with experience in fundraising and performing arts management. Clayton’s leadership capabilities were evident as soon as he stepped on campus. While not onstage, performing works by his peers and esteemed guest artists, Clayton served as stage manager for five dance concerts, was co-president of the Mason Dance Company, a brother of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity, a Resident Advisor, and a member of the Honors College. 

After graduation, Clayton worked at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in a number of positions including Company Manager, Board Liaison, and Curatorial Assistant.  

Clayton moved back to D.C. and worked as the Artistic Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director at the Washington Ballet under Julie Kent. After three seasons with the ballet, Clayton switched gears to focus on expanding his philanthropic skill set by accepting the position of Young Alumni Coordinator at Sidwell Friends School in April 2022. In this position, Clayton has expanded young alumni giving by 8%, created a College Dinner Series to keep new graduates engaged, and developed a student philanthropy network. In his spare time, Clayton also serves on the Jete Society Steering Committee, the junior board of the Washington Ballet, tries to travel when he can, and is on the quest to find the best Bloody Mary in The District.

Friday, November 3 at 6:00pm

Center for the Arts Concert Hall Grand Tier II

Celebrate the inaugural Fall New Dances performance in the Concert Hall!

Join School of Dance faculty and Friends for this free event on the Grand Tier for light refreshments before attending the concert as we start another season of incredible dance at Mason!

Space is limited. Please RSVP to asnelli@gmu.edu by Wednesday, October 25. Tickets to the concert are available for purchase at dance.calendar.gmu.edu or at the door.

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Fridays 1:00-2:15 pm

September 15 - November 17

We are so excited to welcome you back to our studios! We are also thrilled to offer all Dance for PD® participants and a guest the opportunity to join us at our Mason School of Dance performances taking place in November and December at the George Mason University Fairfax campus.  

Register today for Dance for PD® and receive FREE tickets! 

REGISTRATION

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Did you know that 94% of all donations to Friends of Dance go directly to student scholarships?

The Friends of Dance at Mason is a group of dedicated supporters who love our School of Dance program and students. They ensure the success of the next generation of dance artists through community engagement, audience participation, and philanthropic support for student scholarships.

They may be distinguished alumni of the program dedicated to giving back to their alma mater, parents of current students or alumni, or local arts supporters who love dance. Everyone is welcome. The Friends of Dance represent the School of Dance at performances and events to help encourage others to support scholarships. A gift of any amount qualifies you as a member.

Friends of Dance enjoy these benefits on an annual basis: 
- Invitations to special events such as rehearsals, master classes, performances, and lectures by artists-in-residence 
- Opportunities to volunteer at School of Dance performances, with a complimentary ticket 
- Updates from the Director of the School of Dance via email 
- Networking and connecting with fellow School of Dance alumni and supporters as well as current students and faculty 
- Recognition in School of Dance and Center for the Arts programs, and CVPA Annual Report 

To make a gift online, visit https://dance.gmu.edu/give. You can also contact Johnna Johnson at jthomp76@gmu.edu to receive the mailing address for a check, or to find out more about becoming involved as a volunteer leader for the Friends of Dance or Dance Partnership Council.