Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Dear Friends,

Busy winter break for us! We had two residencies for guest artists, one in December with Robyn Mineko and the other in January with Yue Yin. Both of these incredible artists were staging their pieces on our students in preparation for our Gala concert in March. We held our New York City audition in January, and suddenly we are back!

Classes are in full swing. Our student choreographers auditioned dancers the first week of school for their creations, and immediately began their rehearsals. Aside from some very sore muscles, all the majors are excited and eager to be back in the studios. (The faculty is full of Advil and happy to be back as well).

Please mark your calendars for our Fete held on March 29th. Our co-chairs, Kim Eby and Julia Morelli, are already planning menus, flowers, and presentations. It is always a fantastic party and fundraiser before the Gala and truly prepares our guests for a deeper experience with the performance. If you can't make it to the Fete, join us at the Gala concert, Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 pm in the Concert Hall, for a powerful, joyous and magical show.

And lastly, our recent alum, Michael Cherry, 2024, will be making his Kennedy Center debut on March 20, 21, and 22 as a company member with Complexions, one of America’s leading dance companies.

In fact, close to 80% of the class of 2024 went into professional dance jobs within three months of graduation-- an absolutely stellar year for us!

Warmly,

Susan Shields

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Mason Dance in Dance Magazine

School of Dance Director Susan Shields is featured in an article titled "How to Make a Role Your Own Without Losing the Choreographer’s Intention."

The Senior Class of 2025 share some memorable moments from their time in Mason Dance

Accomplished Alums return to campus, giving back to the school

School of Dance alumni Robert Rubama and Hope Spears recently returned to campus as guest artists.

Current School of Dance students Kya LaSister-Hodge and Nateisha Reaves had the privilege of interviewing these talented alums. 

Read Robert Rubama's interview here.

Read Hope Spears's interview here. 

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

The School of Dance Celebrates the 45th Annual Gala!

Since its founding in 1980, the Dance Gala has served as the hallmark event of the Mason School of Dance, reflecting and anticipating its growth and increasing reputation as one of the finest dance programs in the country.

How has this success happened? 

It succeeds through sustained long-term, strategic planning, visionary leadership, dedication of the entire dance faculty and dance majors and the support of enthusiastic alumni and donors

Read on to learn more about this extraordinary program!

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Friday, March 28 at 8 pm and Saturday, March 29 at 8 pm

Each year, world renowned guest artists work with George Mason dancers, giving them access to some of the best and brightest choreographers in modern dance. Don’t miss the captivating works in the 2025 Gala Concert featuring some of today’s most innovative choreographers.

The primal power of The Hunt by Robert Battle

The flowing serenity of Cloudline by Robyn Mineko Williams

The energy and sophistication of a World Premier by Christopher d’Amboise

The pure movement fascination of The Fracture of Light by Yue Yin 

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

The celebratory event of the season! Join fellow Mason dance supporters at a pre-performance gathering celebrating the extraordinary School of Dance performers and faculty. Learn more about this powerful and remarkable art form directly from the dancers and faculty. Enjoy great food and drinks before heading over to be thrilled by the incredible performance of the Gala Concert at the Center for the Arts.

This fantastic evening includes:

- Informative studio demonstrations offering insightful commentary about the works in the Gala Concert

- A delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine, and dessert reception celebrating dance with faculty, students, and fellow supporters.

- The Dance Gala Concert: the crowning event of the 2024-2025 season featuring the work of world-renowned choreographers 

Robert Battle

Christopher d’Amboise

Robyn Mineko Williams

Yue Yin

performed by the talented Mason dancers, the next generation of professional artists.

Each year this annual event funds critically needed scholarships.

Sponsorships, tickets, and other donations invest in the next generation of professional dancers, choreographers, arts administrators, and dance educators.

Sponsorships begin at $550 and include recognition benefits and a charitable donation to support Dance student scholarships

Individual Tickets are $125

Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The George Mason University Foundation Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 54-1603842).

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Friday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Friday, May. 2 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m.

The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of adjudicated works will have something for everyone!

Tickets: $20 general public; $12 seniors, students, faculty/staff; $10 groups

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6 at 8 p.m.

Feel a part of the magic enjoying this evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater.

Tickets: $17

Fridays 1:00-2:15 pm

February 7 to April 18

We are so excited to welcome you back to our studios! Returning to lead classes this spring is Elizabeth Spatz, Mason School of Dance adjunct faculty member, with assistance from GMU BFA dance majors. This free, ten-week session starts Friday, February 7.

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.
 
Email Elizabeth Spatz to register for Dance for PD® classes! 

Photo by Tim Coburn Photography

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

Continue to support the extraordinary success of the Mason Dancers.

80% of class of 2024 have signed contracts with major dance companies and 100% are employed in the dance field

96% graduate in in 4 years

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.

To learn more, visit https://dance.gmu.edu/give.