Alumni reunite at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Baja Regional Conference

UCI Dance faculty, students, and alumni. (Photo: Skye Schmidt, BFA ’16)
 

Spring break on college and university campuses can be quiet. This was not the case in March 2019 for the Department of Dance, which hosted the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Baja Regional Conference. The ACDA’s goal is to promote and exalt the existing and potential artistry visible in higher educational dance programs. By sponsoring regional conferences, the association has become extremely important to both students and faculty for the chance to  excel away from their alma maters and experience the diversity of the dance world. Coordinator Chad Michael Hall, Associate Professor of Dance, used the Whova mobile app for virtually paperless registration and planning, supporting UC Irvine’s commitment to “going green.” With so many to-do items on his checklist for organizing the Baja Regional, the app was a valuable tool.

The four-day gathering — which culminated in a gala concert at the Irvine Barclay Theatre — saw over 500 participants. The crowd was made up of members from 31 colleges and universities, coming from all over California and Oregon. Master classes, improvisation sessions and an art exhibit were among the many activities. Featured in the gala concert were 10 dances presented by seven schools, representing a blend of community colleges and four-year private and public institutions. Perhaps most exciting for CTSA was the large number of MFA alumni in attendance. Chair and Professor of Dance, Molly Lynch, thought “it was quite remarkable to see so many of them being successful in their endeavors and careers!”

 

CONNECT - Fall 2019