The Dance Ensemble is the performing outlet for students of the dance division at Shenandoah Conservatory. The ensemble performs extensively on campus and in a wide variety of nationally recognized venues. Previous engagements have included the elaborate Viennese Opera Ball hosted by the Austrian Embassy, many concerts at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the Giordano International Jazz Dance World Congress, as well as the 92nd Street “Y” in New York City and other major venues and showcases. Members of the ensemble have performed overseas in England, Scotland, Russia, Spain, Ireland, Macedonia, Greece and Taiwan. The Ensemble has received two Dance/USA grants to re-stage masterworks by internationally acclaimed artists Murray Louis & Alwin Nikolais, and had the honor of performing these works in six states. The commission of new musical scores and live musical accompaniment plays a vital role for the Dance Ensemble, creating a more rich experience for their audiences while fostering collaborative exchanges among artists.
What Audiences Are Saying About The Shenandoah University Dance Ensemble
“Enlightening and uplifting…an exquisite program!”
“A great performance! More! More! More!”
“Outstanding show. When we arrived, the night was very black without a star in the sky. Afterward, I knew why…all the stars were on the stage!”
“Shenandoah University has something truly rare, filled with fresh, creative energy, something to be proud of!”
Additional Performance Opportunities
Shenandoah dance faculty have engaged students and alumni of the dance division to participate in performances presented by their professional companies in venues outside of the conservatory. These professional engagements may take place in the summer months, or in special performance tours during the school year. Recent engagements have included performances at the New York Jazz Choreography Project for choreographer Bob Boross and premieres of new repertoire by Maurice Fraga at Philadelphia’s Performance Garage.
Photos by N-Link-Photography
Audition Information
Shenandoah Conservatory is committed to fostering a safe environment for our students and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are equally committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our students aligned with preparation for 21st century careers in the arts. This commitment begins with your audition! As the arts industry has responded to our current reality by modifying rehearsal and audition practices, Shenandoah Conservatory has also adopted the most recent industry standards, while maintaining a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for the most up-to-date information about auditioning for our music, theatre and dance ensembles and productions.