Alfred University News

Alfred University Performing Arts Division to present ‘An Evening of Dance’

The Division of Performing Arts at Alfred University will present “An Evening of Dance” on Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 17, 18, and 19, in Miller Theater. The performances, which will be presented at 8 p.m. each evening, will feature live performances with integrated mixed media.


ALFRED, NY— The Division of Performing Arts at Alfred University will present “An Evening of Dance” on Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 17, 18, and 19, in Miller Theater. The performances, which will be presented at 8 p.m. each evening, will feature live performances with integrated mixed media.

The event, made possible by the generous support of the Marlin Miller Dance Residency Program, and the Alfred University School of Art and Design and Performing Arts Division, is free of charge. This year’s concert features the 2021-22 Marlin Miller guest artist Marianela Boán, who created a new work that will be performed by Alfred University students, and a second Marlin Miller guest artist, James Levy Jr., who will perform a new solo.

The performance also features choreographic works by Alfred University faculty D. Chase Angier, professor of dance and chair of the Division of Performing Arts, and Colleen Wahl, assistant professor of dance, and students Meira Naugle and Brenna Turner. Lighting design is coordinated by Maureen Weiss, associate professor performance design and technology; Eric Souther, assistant professor of video art, is overseeing video and sound design.

This year’s event highlights the truly collaborative nature of the performing arts. Attendees will experience the many skilled roles Alfred University students take on in the process, including: choreographer, dancer, costume designer, costume builder, lighting designer, and stage crew.

Marianela Boán, currently living in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is an internationally recognized choreographer and one of the most important artists of the Cuban and Latin American dance vanguard. Boán has performed several times in Alfred through the Marlin Miller Dance Residency Program. During both her 2021-22 residency, she has given lectures, taught classes and created work. She collaborated with 12 Alfred University students via Zoom to create “An Evening of Dance.” This project builds on the work she created during her residency at Alfred University last year during which she created a new work titled “Beyond.” Boán worked with nine Alfred University students to create “Beyond,” which was featured on International Dance Day.

James Levy Jr. is a Hip Hop/Funk Styles dancer, teacher, and performer from Buffalo, NY, who has been a part of the dance community for 15 years. His involvement includes participation in battles/competitions, workshops, and organizing/hosting various Hip Hop events. Sharing and exchanging through teaching, competing, and community outreach, Levy hopes to continue bringing a positive and uplifting energy to those around him through the education of dance and culture.