ROBIN WILSON
Curriculum Vitae
Associate Professor of Dance
Department of Dance
School of Music, Theatre & Dance,
3501 Dance Building, 1310 North University Court
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2217
(734) 763-9141 (office)
| EDUCATION: | |
| M.F.A in Choreography | Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1995 Master of Fine Arts in Choreography (MFA) |
| Post-Baccalaureate Study | Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Studies (1998) Bartenieff Fundamentals City College of New York, New York, New York (1990)Child & Adolescent Development |
| A.B. In Dance | Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri(1977)Bachelor of Arts in Dance (A. B.) Clark Center for the Performing Arts, New York, New York 1978 -1990Lenore Latimer (Limón Technique), Fred Benjamin (Jazz), Pepsi Bethel (Vernacular Jazz) – instructors Sounds in Motion Dance Studio, New York, New York 1978-1984 Dianne McIntyre, Bernadine Jennings, Rose-Marie Giraud, Kevin Wynn, Mercedes Baptista, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar -instructors |
| ONGOING DANCE STUDIES: | Afro-Caribbean Dance:Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, Havana, Cuba. 2018, 2019Oyu Oro Folkloric Dance Company, Santiago, Cuba, 2011, 2013. Richard Gonzalez, New York, New York, 2008-2013. New Orleans Dance Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2007, 2008. Jacob’s Pillow Summer Intensive, Becket, Massachusetts. 2006. Cutumba Folklorico de Danza, Santiago, Cuba, 1996. Dunham Technique:Institute for Dunham Technique Certification, 2015-present. Penny Godboldo, Detroit, Michigan, 1998-Present. Dunham Summer Dance Intensive, East St. Louis, Illinois, June 1998. ImprovisationMovement Intensive in Compositional Improvisation, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, June 2010. Contact Improvisation: Shakti Smith, Earthdance, Williamsburg, MA, June 2000. Leadership/Community Engagement:Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute: New Orleans, LA, 2009, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, 1997. |
TEACHING POSTS
| 2006 – Present | University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIAssociate Professor of Dance, School of Music Theatre & Dance, Department of Dance. |
| 1995 – 2005 | University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIAssistant Professor of Dance, School of Music, Department of Dance. |
| 1981-1982 | Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NYAdjunct Lecturer. Course Taught: “Modern Dance Fundamentals”. |
COURSES TAUGHT:
Center for Global Intercultural Studies: Cuba: Roots, Culture & Rhythm in Havana, Cuba
Dance Composition I, Dance Composition II
Dances in Culture: Africanist Dance Traditions from Minstrels to Hip Hop
Introduction to Afro-Caribbean Dance Techniques
Teaching Methods
Improvisation Lab
First-Year Touring Company
Dance Repertory
Special Topics – Dance/Stories: Community Arts Collaborations (“Meet Together” course with American Culture: Community Projects in the Arts & Humanities) Winter 2001
TEACHING RESIDENCIES
Center For Global Intercultural Studies (CGIS), Cuba: Roots, Rhythm, & Culture in Havana, Cuba. Havana, Cuba. 2018, 2019, 2020 (canceled due to COVID)
Three-week study abroad course examining the roots of Afro-Cuban culture through dance & music.
Skyline High School, Ann Arbor, MI 2009-2021
Guest instructor, African American Humanities/History class, Year-long course examines the role of dance in African American humanities & history through lecture, movement, film & creative projects. The course is currently co-taught with instructors Tonya Whitehorn & Kathy MacKercher.
MPulse Dance Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1999-2021
Director, Faculty for 2-week intensive dance program for high school students.
The Zone Dance Center, Southfield, MI 2018-2021
Modern Dance workshops for youth ages 10-18 yrs.
American College Dance Association conferences, 1996 – 2020
Master classes in Contemporary & Afro-Caribbean dance.
- Arizona State University, Tempe
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
- Northern Colorado University, Greeley
- Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
- Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Ohio University, Athens, OH
- Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
- Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
- Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, IL
- University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, IL
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
- Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH
Oakland Dance Festival, Farmington High School, Farmington, MI, 2019.
Master Classes in Afro-Caribbean Dance, Modern Dance
Detroit Dance Day, Detroit School Of Arts, Detroit, MI, 2019, 2009-2012.
Master Classes in Dunham Technique, Afro-Caribbean Dance
Skyline High School, Ann Arbor, MI, guest lecturer, Black History Month, February 2009, February 2011; World Humanities course (Ashley Ducker, Instructor), Fall 2011.
Master classes in Afro-Caribbean Dance
Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2017. Six-week summer intensive for Telluride Scholars, “Performance, Gender, Race & Culture in the Harlem Renaissance & in Parisian Negritude”, co-taught with UM Associate Professor Frieda Ekotto, Romance Languages & Literature
Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Western Michigan University, 2009-2015, 1996-1998.
Master classes in Modern Dance, Afro-Caribbean Dance, Improvisation, Choreography
Mind-builders Creative Arts Center, Bronx, NY, Fall 2013.
Guest residency teaching Modern & Afro-Caribbean dance
Brown University, Providence, RI, Fall 2013
Guest residency with Master classes in Contemporary Dance & Lectures in Dance History
Michigan Dance Council Statewide Dance Day, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, Fall, 2011. Master classes in Afro-Caribbean Dance
Queensborough Community College Dance Program Bayside, NY, Summer 2011
3-week Guest Artist Residency teaching technique & repertory
Taller Nacional De Danza, San José, Costa Rica, Summer 2010
Master Classes in Contemporary Dance
Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates Program, (GIEU): The Arts of New Orleans: Gender, Race, Class & Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana 2008
4-week program set in New Orleans for undergraduate students, examining the centrality of the arts in the lives of New Orleans residents and how that way of life changed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through immersion into New Orleans dance and music traditions and select partnerships with community-based arts organizations, students learned about the unique relationship of the arts to the history and development of the City of New Orleans while partnering with community-based organizations in the rebuilding of the infrastructure serving youth and adults.
Firestone High School, Akron, OH, Winter 2005
Guest artist residency
National American College Dance Festival, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 2002. Master classes in Modern & Afro-Caribbean Dance
Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2002. Six-week summer intensive for Telluride Scholars, “Reading the Body through Ethnicity, Race, Gender & Power”, co-taught with UM Associate Professor Frieda Ekotto, Romance Languages & Literature.
Ohio University, Athens, OH, 2002:
Guest teaching residency
Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor, MI , 2002.
Guest lecturer, African Studies Class
2001 Global Education Workshop for Teachers, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Fall 2001.
Opportunity Center, Ann Arbor, MI, July 2001.
Master classes with youth
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 2000
Guest residency with master classes in Modern Dance
NAKS National Music & Dance Company & school, Paramaribo, Suriname, 2000. Guest residency with master classes in African American & Afro-Caribbean dance
Marlene’s Ballet Of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname, 2000
Master classes in Modern Dance
Michigan Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Convention (MAHPERD), Battle Creek, MI, 2000.
Master class in Modern Dance
Happendance Dance Company, Okemos, MI, 2000.
Master class in Modern Dance
Dance Gallery Studio, Ann Arbor, MI, 1999.
Instructor, ongoing Modern & Afro-Caribbean Dance workshops
University Of Michigan Summer Bridge Program, Ann Arbor, MI. 1998, 1999
Dance workshops with incoming UM freshmen
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI. 1999
One-week residency & Diversity workshop for MFA students, co-taught with facilitator Marilyn Turkovich
Roberto Clemente High School Girls Retreat, Ann Arbor, MI, one-day movement workshop for at-risk girls, Fall 1999
Logan Elementary School, Ann Arbor, MI 1998
Master classes & workshops with elementary-age children.
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 1998
One-week residency teaching Master classes in Modern Dance, Afro-Caribbean & Improvisation
Parkway School District, Chesterfield, MO, 1998
Three-day guest residency in Modern Dance for High School students
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MO, 1998
Master classes in African-American Dance
Wayne State University, Detroit, MO, 1997
Guest instructor, 2-week workshop in Modern & Afro-Caribbean Dance techniques
Middle School All-City Dance Company, Detroit, MO, 1996-1997
Master class workshops in Modern Dance & repertory
Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Summer, 1997
3-week guest residency, teaching Community Outreach, Repertory, & Dance History.
Washington University, St. Louis, MO, Fall 1997
Marcus Artist guest residency, Master classes in Modern & Afro-Caribbean Dance
All City Summer Dance Institute, Center for Creative Studies Detroit, MI 1997
Master classes in Modern Dance
All-State Summer Dance Institute, Interlochen, MO, Summer 1997
Master class in Modern Dance & performance
University Of Kentucky Department of Dance, Lexington, KY, 1996
Master classes in Modern Dance & Afro-Cuban Folkloric Dance
University Of Michigan School Of Architecture, Ann Arbor, MI 1996
Two-week dance unit for graduate studies with Associate Professor Jessica Fogel
New York State Summer School Of The Arts School Of Dance, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1995.
Guest Dance Faculty
Kentucky Governor’s School For The Arts, Louisville, KY, 1991-1995
Modern Dance Faculty, three-week intensive interdisciplinary arts program for gifted high school students.
Kentucky Artist in Residence, Kentucky Arts Council, Lexington, KY 1990-1993
Residencies in K-12 schools throughout Central & Eastern Kentucky, employee & leadership movement workshops, movement workshops in community settings, performing & choreographing for resident companies
Syncopated, Inc, Dance & Music Company, Lexington, KY, 1990-1993
Artist residency with classes for adults, children. I choreographed & performed with Syncopated Inc. Dance Company. I was also the director & choreographer for the Syncopated Kids Company.
Presbyterian Community Center, Louisville, KY, 1992-1993
Artist residency with at-risk adolescent residents of the historic Smoketown neighborhood
Community Arts Celebration & Workshop, Booker T. Washington Elementary School Auditorium, Lexington, KY, 1991
Master classes in Dance & citywide performance, highlighting youth from 3 different school districts, Syncopated Inc. Dance Company, & area artists.
Moving Stories Workshop, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, 1989.
Workshop in text & movement with area college students
Afterimages Dance Company, Louisville, KY, 1987
Master classes in Modern Dance technique classes for area adults.
Kentucky Governor’s School For The Arts, Bellarmine College, Louisville, KY, 1987
Master classes in Dance & Theater movement
River East Elementary School, New York, NY, 1986-1990
Artist-in-Residence, Dance/literacy program for grades Pre-K – 6. Sponsored by Harlem Dance Foundation with funds from New York State Council for the Arts, Diamond Foundation, & River East Parents & Teachers Association.
Women’s Prison Association, Key Outreach Program, New York, NY 1984-1985
Instructor, teaching exercise/dance for area High School dropouts on police probation on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Harlem Dance Foundation, New York, NY. 1979-1990.
Instructor, Modern Dance/exercise instructor for students of all ages.
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
City Of Rain, choreography by Camille A. Brown,
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 2016
The Summit, choreography by Dianne McIntyre,
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 2011
Heaven, choreography by Rennie Harris
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 2008
And Their Words To The End Of The World, choreography by Doug Varone
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 2006
Four Women, choreography by Vera Embree
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 2005
American In Paris, choreography by Cliff Keuter
Rehearsal Director, Ann Arbor, Michigan 1999
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Tohoku Women: Resistance & Resiliency In Post-Great East Japan Disasters Through Dance Theatre As Documentation & Self-Expression, Tohoku, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, 2017 – present; Ongoing participatory action research project with UM School of Social Work Professor Mieko Yoshihama involving women affected by the 2015 Great East Japan Disaster.
Funding Source: University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies. Grant Award: $26,958
Sounds In Motion Oral History project, 2013 – Present.
Ongoing oral history project documenting the work of groundbreaking black female dance artists of the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s & 1980s. Part of the larger “Exploring the Black Aesthetic in Dance” project
Funding Source: OVPAMA, SMTD, UMOR
Grant Award: $11,000
Skyline High School African American Humanities project, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008-2021. Ongoing community-research project with Ann Arbor High School seniors using embodied history and artmaking to create compassionate communities and impart empathetic learning.
Great Lakes Living History Storytelling Incubator, Sault Sainte Marie, MI. 2015-2016. “Sliver of a Full Moon”/Sugar Island/Sault Ste. Marie project with SMTD Theater faculty member Anita Gonzalez with workshops & performance involving locals, UM faculty & students.
John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities & Cultural Heritage, Brown University, Providence, RI, 2013. Archival research on the American Dance Legacy Initiative, choreographers Daniel Nagrin & others.
New Orleans Performance & Community Engagement Research, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Summer 2007. Dance & Community Engagement project with UM students on New Orleans dance & music traditions & how dance heals communities challenged by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Funding Sources: Ginsberg Center, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Center for World Performance Studies, Office of the Associate Provost for Academic & Multicultural Affairs, School of Music, Theatre & Dance, & UM Department of Dance.
Grant Award: $6150.
SPECIAL COLLABORATIONS:
Black Covid Theater: Zora on My Mind, 2020-2021
Collaboration with Covid pod-members Anita Gonzalez, Antonio Disla & Alexandria Davis developing the musical “Zora on My Mind,” Ann Arbor, MI
DOWN BY THE TRACKS, Duration: 6”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2012.
Music: Willis Patterson Our Own Things Chorale. Downtown Ann Arbor, MI.
Site-specific collaborative project with the Willis Patterson Our Own Things Chorale near Ann Arbor Railroad crossing.
GERI ALLEN TRIO, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2009
Performer: Robin Wilson. Collaboration with Geri Allen Trio, 65th Annual E. Azalia Hackley Collection Concert, Detroit Public Library, Detroit, MI
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE PROJECTS:
University of Michigan Gospel Chorale Collaboration in Ghana 2008 Choreographer, Robin Wilson, 2008. Performers: University of Michigan Gospel Chorale with Images of Praise dance ensemble. Choreographic Commission in Collaboration with UM Gospel Chorale. National Theater of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, February 2008. Additional performances throughout Ghana. Featured on Michigan Radio (NPR).
University Musical Society Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Residency 1996.
Phillips Pre-Performance Educational Lecture, Michigan League, University of Michigan. Post-performance “Dance Jam”, Power Center for the Performing Arts. Organized “Performing Blackness” panel on the Black Aesthetic with notable scholars, & community outreach activities.
“Killer Of Enemies” film documentary with Kentucky Educational Television (PBS) & the Kentucky Center for the Arts featuring The Erick Hawkins Dance Company, 1992-1993. On-camera program host. In-person interviewer with Erick Hawkins. Developed residency teaching materials, program script. PBS Documentary first aired, Spring 1993. Dance Arts Tool Kit: PBS
IMAGINE THAT! Consultant for Kentucky Educational Television (PBS), 1990 Lexington, Kentucky. Creative dramatic series for grades 4 & 5, First aired spring 1991.
PERFORMANCE/CHOREOGRAPHY
WHAT WE ASK OF FLESH, Choreography: Christal Brown, 2021
Performer: Robin Wilson, guest with INSPIRIT A Dance Company. Inside Pillow Lab documentary, Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, Massachusetts, April 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IFL-YN0VeA&t=5s
SHATTERED GLOBES: FOR TAMARA 2020, Duration: 7”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2020. Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Robin Wilson.
2020 Detroit Dance City Festival Choreographers Showcase, Detroit, Michigan. Michigan Dance Council Screen & Stream Competition, 2020, Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival (RAD Fest), Kalamazoo, Michigan. 2021.
ANCESTRAL HAIKU, Duration: 25”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2019.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Marion Hayden Jazz Ensemble. Video installation: Ancestral Haiku” by Safell Gardner. Sidewalk Festival, Artist Village, Redford, Michigan.
TUNISIAN NIGHTS, Duration:7”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2016
Performers: Community High School “Dance Body”. Music: Night in Tunisia, Dizzy Gillespie performed by Community High School Jazz B&. Forsythe Middle School Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
DANCING IN TIME, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2015.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Carr Center for the Arts, Detroit, Michigan; Subsequent performances: Ann Arbor, Michigan, Port Huron, Michigan, 2015.
EXCERPT FROM DANCIN’ FATS, Duration: 8”, Choreography: Gay Delanghe, 2015.
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Fats Waller. Subsequent performances: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Port Huron, Michigan, 2015.
CIRCLINGS, Duration: 6” Choreography: Jessica Fogel, 2014.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: David Biedenbender. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann, Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Alternative & Renewable Energy Center (MAREC). Muskegon, Michigan, 2014.
MODULE 1, Duration: 10”, Choreography & costume: Rodney A. Brown, 2014.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Carr Center for the Arts, Detroit, Michigan. Centre College, Danville, Kentucky.
HELA & MO, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2013.
Performer: Robin Wilson. In addition to the choreography, I created the text, musical score & costume, inspired by book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot. University of Michigan Exhibit Museum, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2013. Carr Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit, Michigan, 2014. Centre College, Danville, Kentucky, 2014.
DREAM CATCHERS, Duration: 8”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2013.
Performer: Robin Wilson, with others. Music: Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, performed by Anthony Elliott, cello; speech excerpt by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; “A Dream” by Will.I.Am, performed by Common. Power Center for the Performing Arts, Ann Arbor, MI. Carr Center for the Arts, Detroit, MI, 2014. Music/Dance triptych for 4 dancers & cello.
LIFE’S DANCE, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Dianne McIntyre. 2012.
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Ahmed Abdullah. American Dance Guild Performance Festival, Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater in the Joan Weill Center for Dance, New York, New York.
BLUES/CROSSROADS, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2011.
Performer: Robin Wilson (duet) Music: Edwina Lee Tyler, Traditional Field Hollers.
Fifth Bluegrass State International Dance Festival, Oldham County Arts Center, Crestwood, Kentucky, 2011. Detroit Dance City Festival, YMCA Boll Theater, Detroit, Michigan 2015.
BLUES WOMAN, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson 2011.
Performer: Marly Spieser-Schneider. Music: Robin Wilson.
Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center, Harbor Springs, Michigan. Subsequent performances: Oldham County Arts Center, Crestwood, Kentucky, 2011; Detroit, Michigan, 2014.
FEETS!, Duration: 7”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2010.
Performers: People Dancing dance company. Music: “Young Folks” Karaoke in the style of Peter Bjorn. Video & costume design: Robin Wilson. Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 2011; Carr Center of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, 2015.
SHATTERED GLOBES: FOR TAMARA, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2008. Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Robin Wilson. Video: Krissy Tate. Costume: Lea Marzonie. Duderstadt Video Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bronx Academy for the Arts and Dance BAADASS! Women’s Festival, Bronx, New York 2009.
COME SUNDAY, Duration: 8”, Choreography: Peter Sparling with Robin Wilson. 2007.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Mahalia Jackson with Duke Ellington. Charles Ives American Music Festival with the Peter Sparling Dance Company, Rudolph Arnheim Theater, Ann Arbor, Michigan. University of Michigan Rackham Auditorium, 2007. Lewis Chapel AME Church, Albion, Michigan, 2007.
BLANK SPACES, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2007.
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works, Music: Sonatas & Interludes for Prepared Piano (Sonatas 2, 4, 5, 6, 14, & 15) by John Cage. Video: Russ Kuhner. Duderstadt Video Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
SMALL TREASURES, Duration: 8”. Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2007.
Performers: Happendance Dance Company, Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Chanticleer, Ave Maria by Franz Biebl, performed by Haslett High School Chorale. Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI. Duderstadt Video Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2010.
COTTON, Duration: 8”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2005.
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Stephen Rush, Bernice Johnson Reagon. Video: Terry Sarris, Cynthia Pachikara, Marianetta Porter. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Bryan, OH, 2005.
DELICACIES, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2004.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Stephen Rush, Bernice Johnson Reagon.
Danspace Project: Voices from the Bush, St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, New York, NY. Subsequent performances: Ann Arbor, MI, Bryan, OH, 2005.
SLAVE MOTH, Duration: 50”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2004.
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works. Dance Script: Robin Wilson. Music composed by Stephen Rush, with Michael Gould, D. Yarrow Halstead, & Robin Wilson. Video: Cynthia Pachikara, Marianetta Porter, & Terri Sarris. Set Design: Jim Cogswell. Duderstadt Center Media Union Video Studio, University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI, 2005. Evening- length work based on the book-length narrative poem Slave Moth: A Narrative in Verse by Thylias Moss.
NDEBELE, Duration: 11”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2003.
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works, Music: “Drumming, Part IV” by Steve Reich., Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
CRUMBLE, Duration: 6”, Choreography: Robin Wilson 2002.
Performer: Kimberly Jones. Music: Peter Kowald. Subsequent performances: Robin Wilson, Ann Arbor, MI, 2001, 2002.
HALLELUJAH PROJECT, Choreography: Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, 2000-2002.
Performer: Robin Wilson, in Still Crossing, Borrowed Blessings, In Praise of Paradise Lost & Found, & Constancy in the Midst of Change. Detroit Music Hall, Detroit, MI, Power Center for the Performing Arts, Ann Arbor, MI, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland &, College Park, MD. Multiple works performed as part of the Hallelujah Project
DANCING ON A LINE IN TIME, Choreography: Whitley Setrakian, 2000.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Poem by Barbara Lynn (McGraw) Swanson. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
GENTLY QUIRKED, Duration: 9”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2000
Performers: Happendance Dance Company. Music: Maurice Ravel. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Fairchild Theatre, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 2002; Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2003. Performance Network, Ann Arbor, MI, 2003. University of Michigan Freshman Touring Company Tour, Southeast Michigan, 2014.
ROBIN’S NEST: EXCERPTS OF LIFE AT LARGE, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Jessica Fogel. 2000. Performer: Robin Wilson. Music by Stephen Rush. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Washington University, Edison Theater, St. Louis, MO, 2000.
LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA, Duration: 16”, Choreography: Cristina Grigery, 2000.
Performer: Robin Wilson w/Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Maurice Ravel. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
READY FROM WITHIN, Duration: 15”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2000
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Libana. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of MI. Maggie Allesee Dance Studio Theater, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, December 2001.
PINCELADAS DE AFRICANAS-CUBANAS, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Danys ‘La Mora” Perez, 1999. Performer: Robin Wilson w/Ann Arbor Dance Works. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
RAINBOW ETUDE, Duration: 3”, Choreography: Donald McKayle, 1999.
Performer: Robin Wilson w/Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Leon Bibbs. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
NON-STOP, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1998.
Performers: Ann Arbor Dance Works. Music: Gerhard Ginader. International Computer Music Conference, Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Dance Works, Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 1998. Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI 1999. Awarded 1999 Maggie Allesee New Choreography Award
QUIRKS & QUARKS, Duration: 4”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1997.
Performers: All-City Middle School Dance Company. Music: Bennie Moten. Detroit Institute for the Arts, Detroit, MI. Subsequent performances throughout Detroit Public School system, 1997-1998 academic year.
INSIDE/OUT, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1997.
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Felicia Sandler. Duderstadt Video Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI, 1998; University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan,1999. Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI,1998. Mallinckrodt Studio Theatre, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 1997. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1997. University of Illinois – Champaign-Urbana, IL, 2001
BLUES/CROSSROADS, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, created 1997.
Performer: Robin Wilson (duet). Music: Edwina Lee Tyler, Traditional Field Hollers. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Duderstadt Video Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 1997
SOUNDSKETCHES II, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1996.
Performers: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Soundsketches, performed by Pamela Wise, Wendell Harrison, Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
NEGRE CON LECHE, Duration: 25”, Choreography: Robin Wilson 1996.
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Negre con Leche by Pamela Wise with Robin Wilson. Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
SOUNDSKETCHES, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1995.
Performers: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Soundsketches by Paul Arslanian & Robin Wilson. Conwell Dance Theater, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequent performances: New York State Summer School for the Arts School of Dance, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1995.
ECHOES, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1995
Performer: Robin Wilson. Music: Robin Wilson. Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, August 1995; Subsequent performances: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1997; St. Louis, MO, Fall 1998.
PHILADELPHIA CHOREOGRAPHERS Phillip Grosser, Billy Yalowitz, Anadel Lynton Snyder, Edrie Ferdun, (1993-1995)
JUBA, In the Tradition Of…Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1990.
Music: Self-accompanied score by Robin Wilson. Arts Place, Lexington, Kentucky. Subsequent performances throughout Kentucky 1991-1993.
SYNCOPATED, INC. DANCE & PERFORMANCE COMPANY, Lexington, Kentucky.1990-1993. Numerous works created & performed under auspices of 3-year artist residency sponsored by Kentucky Arts Council.
FOR THOSE WHO WAIT, Duration:15”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1982
Performers: Sounds In Motion Ensemble. Music: Sweet Honey in the Rock, Jan Garbarek. Sounds in Motion Dance Studio, New York, New York.
UNTITLED, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson,1982
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Muneer Abdul Fataah. Sounds in Motion Studio, New York, New York.
SOLO FOR TWO PEOPLE, Duration: 6”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1978
Performers: Robin Wilson, Elbert Watson. Music: Keith Jarrett. Fran Spector Studio, New York, New York. Sounds in Motion Studio, New York, New York, 1979.
URBAN BUSH WOMEN, Founding member. Choreography: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar 1984-1990. While a member, Wilson performed & toured extensively throughout the United States, Western Europe & Israel. In 1992, Wilson received a 1992 New York Dance & Performance “Bessie” Award as a member of Urban Bush Women, for their collective work on the dances River Songs (1984) & Praise House (1990), among others.
SANTA CLAUS & THE UNICORN, Duration: 60”, Choreography by Carolyn Adams, Julie Adams Strandberg.1979-1993. Performer: Robin Wilson (title role) Music: Olive Adams. Leonard Davis Center for the Performing Arts, Aaron Davis Hall, City College, New York. New York.
New York City companies & choreographers, 1978-1990, including Sounds in Motion, Kevin Wynn Dance Connection, Anita Gonzalez, Dorothy Vislocky Dance Company, Johanna Boyce, & Wilson’s own works. New York, New York.
READY FROM WITHIN, Duration: 10”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1990.
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Music: Libana. Arts Place, Lexington, Kentucky, Booker T. Washington Elementary School Lexington, Kentucky, Spring 1991; Betty Pease Studio Theater, University of Michigan, June 2000; Maggie Allesee Dance Studio Theater, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, December 2001.
CHOREOGRAPHY AS TEACHING: STUDENT PERFORMERS
NUBIAN QUEEN, Duration: 3”, Choreography: Robin Wilson
Performer: Shelby Gibson. Music: Mickey Hart. Zone Dance Center, Southfield, MI.
7 X 12 WITH A LITTLE BIT OF CHA CHA, Duration: 12”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2019. Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Marion Hayden, Alina Morr. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Collaboration w/ Straight Ahead jazz ensemble featuring Marion Hayden
NDEBELE II, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2017
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Drumming Part IV, Steve Reich.
Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
IF WISHES WERE HORSES, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2017
Performers: UM First-Year Touring Company. Music: Sister Gertrude Morgan, Nina Simone. Tour throughout southeast Michigan.
BOTTLE TREE STORIES (Duration: 17”), Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2015
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: DM Stith, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Regina Carter. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
LIGHTMOTIFS, Duration: 15”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2012.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Parliament, Debby Boone, Israel Kamawawi’ole, Meredith Monk, St. Augustine Catholic Church. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
HOKEY POKEY WOMEN & HONKY TONK MEN, Duration: 15”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2009. Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Collaboration with University of Michigan Creative Arts Orchestra, directed by Mark Kirschenmann. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Inspired by the poem “Hokey Pokey Women: For Robin Wilson in Her 50s & My Dear Aunt Gert by Estella Conwill Majozo.
BLANK SPACES, Duration: 20”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2007.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Sonatas & Interludes for Prepared Piano (Sonatas 2, 4, 5, 6, 14, & 15) by John Cage, performed by Stephen Rush. Video: Russ Kuhner. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
ARROWS, Duration: 4”. Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2006.
Performers: Milligan School of Ballet. Music: Robert Een; Mercy High School, Farmington Hills, MI. University of Michigan Summer Dance Institute, Betty Pease Studio Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI, 2006; University of Michigan Freshman Touring Company, 2009.
LOVEJOY SUITE, Duration: 25”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2005.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Louis Armstrong, Ed Sarath, Duke Ellington, & Craig Harris. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
NDEBELE, Duration: 11”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2003.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: “Drumming, Part IV” by Steve Reich. Performed by UM Percussion Ensemble. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
HOT FIVE RONDO, Duration: 30”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2001.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Chris Peck, Louis Armstrong, John Zorn. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
SLIPS OF NIGHT, Duration: 25”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2000.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Slips of Night, by Alva Nelson. Set design: Ted Ramsay. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Grant support: $4390
MINSTRELS PAST, Duration: 20”. Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1998.
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: Echoes of Minstrels Past, by Erik Santos. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Treemountainriver, Duration: 11”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1996
Performers: UM Dance Dept. Music: treemountainriver: by Stephen Rush with Robin Wilson. Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 1996; Washington University Dance Theatre, St. Louis, MO, 1998.
NUBIAN LANDSCAPES, Duration: 8”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1993
Performers: Louisville Youth Performing Arts School. Music: Mickey Hart. Louisville Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, KY.
JUBA VARIATIONS, Duration: 15”, Choreography: Robin Wilson 1992
Performers: Louisville Youth Performing Arts School. Music: Bob Lucas. Louisville Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, KY.
COUNTRYTYME, Duration: 5”, Choreography: Robin Wilson 1991
Performers: KY Governors School for the Arts. Music: Traditional Kentucky fiddle. Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville, KY.
CALYPSO FREEDOM, Duration: 3”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1996
Performers: Logan Elementary School. Music: Sweet Honey in the Rock. Logan Elementary, Ann Arbor, MI.
COMMUNITY ARTS CELEBRATION & WORKSHOP, Choreography: Robin Wilson. Performers: Syncopated Inc. Dance Company, Lexington Public Schools. Booker T. Washington Elementary School Auditorium, Lexington, KY.
City-wide performance, highlighting students from 3 different school districts & Syncopated Inc., with additional workshop with area artists for participants. Works included:
- CALYPSO FREEDOM, performed by 5th graders
- HARRIET TUBMAN, performed by 5th graders
- JAZZ RAP, performed by 8th graders
- KENTUCKY CIRCLE DANCE, performed by 4th graders
- SOCK BALL, performed by 3rd graders
- STOMP DANCE, performed by 7th graders
- LITTLE RED CABOOSE, performed by 2nd graders
CHOREOGRAPHY: THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, Duration: 90”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2011
Musical Directed by Tim Rhoze. Performance Network, Ann Arbor, MI.
BARNUM’S NIGHTGALE, Duration: 90”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2005.
Musical Directed & Written by Joan Morris. Musical direction & arrangements by David Gilliand. William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
ICEMAN: A NEW PLAY FOR THE MILLENIUM, Duration: 90”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 2000.
Performers: Metro Theater Company. Music: Nuclear Percussion Ensemble. Written by Nicholas Kryah. Directed by Carol North. Edison Theatre, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Subsequent performances: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., One Theater World Festival & Symposium, Washington, D.C., University of North Carolina – Charlotte
.
WEDDING BAND, Duration: 90”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1997
Director: Michelle Shay. Author: Alice Childress. Trueblood Theater, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL, Duration: 75”, Choreography: Robin Wilson, 1992
Written by John Clark Donahue. Directed by Larry Snipes, Robin Wilson. Lexington Children’s Theater, Lexington Opera House, Lexington, KY.
PURGATORY, Duration: 60”, Choreography: Robin Wilson,1987.
Performer: Robin Wilson & others. Written & directed by Estelle Conwill Majozo. Installation by Houston Conwill, Kentucky Theater, Louisville, KY.
THE DEATH OF BLACK & WHITE, Duration: 60”, Choreography: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Robin Wilson. 1986. Performer: Homecoming Festival company with Robin Wilson. Macauley Theater, Louisville, KY. Women’s Theater Festival, Boston, MA, 1987.
PRESENTATIONS, LECTURES, PUBLICATIONS:
Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Rochester, Michigan: Understanding the Choreographic Process with Darrell Gran Moultrie & Robin Wilson. EducatEDD: An Insider’s Guide to Contemporary Dance Online Course, February 16, 2021
Carr Center Contemporary, Detroit, Michigan: Revival Service Tent Meeting with Artists Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd, Alonzo Harris & Robin Wilson, July 31, 2020.
Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah, Georgia, Master Class “Intersections of Artmaking, Social Practice, & Art Activism”, Design III: TIME (4D) course, July 9, 2020.
Center for World Performance Studies Symposium, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, In Search of an Africanist Presence in Greek Dance Culture, Fall 2015.
University of California, Los Angeles, Department of World Arts & Cultures, Lecture “The Intersection of UBW’s Batty Moves, Aesthetics, & the Hottentot Venus”, Dance 44: World Dance Histories, March 2, 2015
Collegium for African Diaspora Dance: Dancing The African Diaspora conference, “Performing Henrietta: Reading HeLa & Mo as Africanist Dance”, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, February 2014.
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, Lecture “Dance & the Black Arts Movement”; Lecture, “Dance & the Harlem Renaissance”, Master Classes in Modern Dance Technique; October 2013.
Encyclopedia of African American Culture & History: The Black Experience in America, “African Diaspora Dance”, edited by Colin Palmer, Macmillan Reference USA, published December 2005.
Quinto Congreso De Las Americas, Popular Culture Association, “Doin’ What Comes Naturally: The Intersection of African American Identity, Dance, & the Vernacular in Contemporary Modern Choreography” La Universidad de Las Americas, Puebla, Mexico, October 2001.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Lecture/Demonstration “When the Spirit Moves: African American Dance in History & Art Teacher Workshop,” Detroit, Michigan, 2000.
Society Of Dance History Scholars (SDHS), “Interview with a Gandy Dancer“, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. June 1999.
Washington University Department Of Music, Lectures “Deconstructing Minstrels Past: A Case Study In Identity, Resistance, & Survival Through Performance,” “Treemountainriver”, An Intersection Of Breath, Movement, & Sound: A Presentation/Lecture With Choreographer Robin Wilson & Ingrid Munson,” Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Fall 1998.
Tappan Middle School, Lecture: Role of Dance in African American Studies, May 1998.
Albion College, Guest Lecture, “African American Influences On Contemporary Dance”, Albion, Michigan, Fall 1997.
Urban Bush Women Summer Dance Institute: A New Dancer For A New Society: “From Juba to Jim Crow”, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, July 1997.
Congress On Research In Dance African-American Special Topics Conference, “Gandy Dancers“, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, April 1996.
University Musical Society, Phillips Pre-Performance Educational Lecture, “Alvin Ailey: His Emergence & Legacy As An African-American Artist”, Michigan League, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, March 1996.
ADJUDICATIONS & PANELS:
All City High School Dance Concert, Detroit Public Schools: Adjudicator. October 2019.
BlakTinx Dance Festival, Bootleg Theatre, Los Angeles, CA/Phoenix, AZ: Adjudicator. Summer 2019.
New England Region Conference of the American College Dance Association, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH: Adjudicator. March 2019.
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, New Jersey State Council for the Arts & Maryland State Arts Council: Panelist. October 2016.
Detroit Institute of Arts, “Conversations in Dance: African American Dance & the Harlem Renaissance”, Dance! American Art 1830-1960 exhibit, Detroit, MI: Panelist. April 2016.
NAACP Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympic (ACT-SO) Local Competition, Flint, MI: Adjudicator. Spring 2016.
Congress on Research in Dance/Society of Dance History Scholars (CORD/SDHS) Annual Conference, “Hip Hop Dance in the Information Age: Transnational Networks & Social Change”, Athens, Greece: Moderator. June 2015.
Northwest Conference of the American College Dance Association, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado: Adjudicator. March 2015.
Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment Grant Panel, Louisville, Kentucky: Panelist. November 2011.
Collaborations: Dianne McIntyre, Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Panelist & Discussant. February 2011.
University Musical Society/Arts of Citizenship Panel: Lincoln in American Culture’s Collective Memory. University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Panelist. January 2011.
South Central Region American College Dance Festival Conference, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico: Adjudicator. March 2011.
Southwest Region American College Dance Festival Conference, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona: Adjudicator. March 2010.
Oakland Dance Festival, Harrison High School, Farmington Hills, Michigan: Adjudicator. November 2011.
NAACP ACT-SO Competition, Western Wayne County Branch, Livonia, Michigan: Adjudicator. April 2005.
Mid-Atlantic Region American College Dance Festival Conference, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia: Adjudicator. March 2005.
University Musical Society symposium, African Roots in American Modern Dance, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Panelist, Discussant. January 2005.
Huron High School artist residency with poet Thylias Moss focusing on Slave Moth & other aspects of African American Humanities & history. November 2004- May 2005.
Albion College, Albion, Michigan: Colloquium speaker, performance & master classes. November 2002.
University Of Michigan Museum Of Art: Women’s Work, Women’s Art, Women of Color in the Academy (WOCAP), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Panelist. April 2002.
Illinois Arts Council Artists Fellowship Program, 2000 Artists Fellowship Review in Choreography: Juror. March 2000.
All City High School Dance Concert, Detroit Public Schools, Detroit, Michigan: Adjudicator. January 1997.
University Musical Society, “Exploring the Black Aesthetic”, Michigan League, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Panelist. March 1996.
Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Michigan Dance Council: Adjudicator. February 1996.
Kentucky Arts Council, Projects Panel: Adjudicator. April 1993.
Kentucky Arts Council, Artists-in-Residence Sponsor Panel: Adjudicator. March 1993.
Kentucky Arts Council, Teachers Incentive Program Panel: Adjudicator. Spring 1993, November 1992, Fall 1990.
CONSULTANCIES:
Michigan Department Of Education, Content Advisory Committee, Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for the Michigan Department of Education Office of Professional Preparation & Certification, May 2005
University Of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Dance Program, consultant for pre-college summer intensive, June 2000.
Music & Dance Of Africa & The Diaspora: The Present State & Potential In The United States, “Creativity & Performance in Dance of the Diaspora” discussant, April 1997. “Identity Through Movement & Dance”, panelist, University of Michigan, April 1997.
University Musical Society, “Exploring the Black Aesthetic”, March 1996, panelist,
with artist Jon Onye Lockard, dance historian John O. Perpener III, Visiting Professor
Ingrid Monson, Associate Professor Lorna McDaniels, Kimberly Camp, director of the
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. University of Michigan
EDITORIAL REVIEWS & MANUSCRIPT REVIEWS
External reviewer for promotion & tenure, Trent Williams, University of South Florida. Summer 2020.
External reviewer for promotion & tenure, Donna Mejia, University of Colorado-Boulder, Summer 2018.
External reviewer for promotion & tenure, Alicia Diaz, University of Richmond, Summer 2018.
External reviewer for promotion & tenure Stafford Berry, Jr., Dennison University, November 2016.
External reviewer for promotion & tenure Tanya Wideman-Davis, University of North Caroline, 2016.
External reviewer for promotion & tenure Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, Temple University, 2014.
Guest reviewer for Routledge Books book proposal, Culturally Diverse Dance Teaching, by Nya McCarthy-Brown, Summer 2012.
Guest reviewer for University of Michigan Press, Rebel Dance, Renegade Stance, by Umi Vaughan, manuscript review, July 2011.
HONORS & AWARDS
2013 Shirley Verrett Award faculty award, for supporting the success of female students or faculty in the arts who come from diverse cultural & racial backgrounds. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
1999 Maggie Allesee Award New Choreographers Award for Nonstop, Michigan Dance Council.
University Fellow at Temple University, 1993-1995, awarded through open competition; two-year full tuition & stipend.
Kentucky Arts Council Artists Roster, 1990-1993,1995-1996, awarded through open competition: three-year position
1992 New York Dance & Performance “Bessie” Award for the collective work of Urban Bush Women on the dances River Songs (1984) & Praise House (1990), among others.
GRANTS: INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH
Center for Japanese Studies: “Tohoku Women: Dance Theatre Story-Creation in Post-Great East Japan Disasters” Amount $26,958. Awarded May 2016.
Center for World Performance Studies: “In Search of an Africanist Presence in Greek Dance Culture”, Amount $3725. Awarded 2015.
UMOR Faculty Grant & Award: “Exploring the Black Aesthetic in Dance”,
$5708 UMOR w/ matching funding from SMTD $5500, CWPS, Dance, Amount $10,956. Awarded 2013.
Department of African & Afro-American Studies (DAAS) Faculty Award: “The Africanist Aesthetic in the dances of Cuba & Jamaica”, Amount $1000, Awarded May 2013
Latin American & Caribbean Studies, additional funding from SMTD: “Afro-Cuban Dance & Music in Cuba”, Amount $3200. Awarded 2011.
Center for World Performance studies, additional funding from the Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, SMTD, DAAS: “The African Influences in Costa Rican Dance Culture, Amount $7500. Awarded 2010.
SMTD Faculty Research Travel: “Doin’ What Comes Naturally: The Intersection of African-American Identity, Dance and the Vernacular in Contemporary Modern Choreography”, Popular Culture Conference, Puebla, Mexico, Amount, $1150, Awarded 2001.
SMTD Faculty International Travel Research Fund: “NAKS Suriname Afro-Surinamese Dance & Ritual”, Awarded 2000.
Office of the Vice Provost for Academic & Multicultural Affairs (OVPAMA), SMTD Faculty Research: “Elleggua Project: Folkloric Dance & Music in Cuba”, Amount, $5760. Awarded 1996.
GRANTS: CHOREOGRAPHY/PRODUCTION
SMTD Faculty Research Grant: “7 Times 12 and a Little Bit of Cha Cha” collaborative project with Straight Ahead Jazz Ensemble, Amount $2000. Awarded 2018.
Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR, Institute for Research on Women & Gender (IRWG), & Office of the Associate Provost of Academic & Multicultural Affairs (OAPAMA) – for the evening work Slave Moth. Awarded 2004
Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Office of the Vice President for Research Discretionary Funds, Office of the Associate Provost of Academic & Multicultural Affairs & School of Music Faculty Research Fund – for the dance Slips of Night. Amount: $14,520. Awarded 1999-2000
Institute for Research on Women & Gender (IRWG), & School of Music Faculty Research Fund for evening concert at UM Video Studio, Womansong. Awarded 1997.
University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Office of the Associate Provost for Multicultural & Academic Affairs (OAPAMA), Latin American & Caribbean Studies (LACS), & School of Music to produce the 2002 Great Lakes Region American College Dance Festival. Awarded 2001-2002.
GRANTS: COURSE CREATION
University of Michigan Institute of the Humanities Year of the Humanities & the Arts (YoHA) initiative for the course and guest artists “Dances in Culture: the Origins of Jazz Dance”, incorporating the Humanities and the Arts. Awarded 1997.
GRANTS: GUEST ARTIST RESIDENCIES
“Peniel Guerrier Artist Residency”, SMTD Discretionary Funds, LACS, CAAS, CWPS funding, Amount: $15,380. Awarded 2008
“TONGUE SMELL COLOR Residency with Brenda Dixon-Gottschild & Hellmut Gottschild”, Center for Afro-American and African Studies , OAPAMA, Institute for Research on Women and Gender funding, Awarded 2002.
University of Michigan Diversity Theme Semester, School of Music Faculty Research Fund: Pinceladas Africanas-Cubanas commission by Danys Perez (“La Mora”) & Rainbow Etude by Donald McKayle, reconstructed by Ursula Payne. Awarded 1998.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS (selected)
American College Dance Association, (ACDA) Faculty Member
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), Faculty Member
International Association for Blacks in Dance (IABD), Member
Collegium of African Diaspora Dance (CADD) Member
Congress for Research in Dance/ Society for Dance History Scholars (now Dance Studies Association) Member
SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
NATIONAL:
American College Dance Association, National Board of Directors, Elected , 2017 – Present.
American College Dance Festival Association, Vice President for Policy & Procedures, Elected office, National Board of Directors, 2001- 2008; National Board of Directors, Elected member, 1998-2001.
REGIONAL:
Michigan Dance Council, Board Chair, Board of Directors, elected office, 2011 – 2016; Board member at large, 2009 – 2011, 2016 – Present.
Michigan Youth Arts Board, Executive Board member, 2011 – 2013; Board member at large, 2013-2016.
UNIVERSITY-WIDE
Wallenberg Fellowship Selection Committee, faculty committee interviews & selects annual Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship, which is awarded each spring to a graduating senior of exceptional promise & accomplishment who is committed to service & the public good. 2014 – present.
Women of Color in the Academy Project Steering Committee, 2005-2017.
Center for World Performance Studies Steering Committee, 1993 – 2019.
UM Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA), Committee on University Values, 2012-2014.
Arts of Citizenship Executive Committee, 2008- 2011.
Advisory Committee for UM Gospel Chorale trip to Ghana w/ UM President Mary Sue Coleman, 2007-2008. Also met with University of Ghana faculty on behalf of SMTD for future collaborations between UM and the University of Ghana.
SMTD/Dance related leadership
Dance Day at UM, master classes in dance for Detroit Middle & High School dance students, culminating with a University Dance Company performance at the Power Center. 1997 – 2000 (workshop with area middle schools); 2001 – 2020.
Annual Merit Review Committee, School of Music, Theatre & Dance 2017-2019
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, School of Music, Theatre & Dance – 2016
Committee of Department Representatives (CDR) – alternate 2016-2017
Faculty Committee of Graduate Studies (FCGS) – 1995-1998
REGIONAL/LOCAL
Beams of Glory Praise Dance ministry, Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, Choreographer, Performer, 2014 – present.
Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale, Chorale member & Choreographer, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008 – present.
Wings of Bethel Praise Dance youth & adult dance ministry, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, MI. Director, Choreographer, Performer, 2001-2012.
Produced concerts featuring regional liturgical ensembles:
- “Dancing into the Anointing”, Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, MI, 2007.
- “Dancing into the Anointing”, Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, MI, 2008.
- Wings of Bethel Third Annual Praise & Worship Dance concert, Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, MI, 2009.
- “Everybody Praise Him”, Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, MI, 2010.
- “Thunderous Praise”, Bethel AME Church, Ann Arbor, MI, 2011.