Latest News
Ryann Henry ’26 is Kaatsban Ballet bound!
March 20, 2024
Sophomore SHU Dance Company member Ryann Henry has been invited to attend Kaatsban Ballet Intensive (KBI), where she’ll join top students from around the world who auditioned for this unique training program for promising young dancers. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, KBI provides exceptional training from renowned faculty.
“Being able to dance in the incredible studios at Kaatsbaan will be an amazing experience,” said the biology major on the pre-dental track, who is completing minors in dance and chemistry. “I can’t wait to connect with my body, refine my technique, learn from ballet masters and engage with other collegiate dancers.”
Henry said she loves working with SHU Dance Company, a supportive, caring group that encourages collaboration and creativity.
“When I’m dancing, I’m able to shut off my mind and lose myself in the music,” she said. “You can never become bored with dance because there is always room for personal growth. I also love sharing the beautiful artform with my peers, learning from everyone's different styles and backgrounds.”
SHU Dance Company to Work with Rogue Wave Dance Company in Residence this Spring 2024
February 21, 2024
rogue wave, founded by Catherine Messina, is a contemporary company based in New York City. The movement uses neuroscience as a jumping off point for creation. Receiving several festival invitations, the company has performed at venues and festivals across New York, Atlanta, Richmond, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Philadelphia. The company is a recipient of grant support from the City of Atlanta, The Atlanta Science Festival, and the Puffin Foundation, and has been artist-in-residence at Hambidge Cross-Pollination Art Lab, Everwood Artist Retreat, Dragon’s Egg and Harlem Pilates. rogue wave has been commissioned for original works by companies Suttle Dance, Open Dance Ensemble, and One Day Dance and is honored to be the 2024 spring guest choreographer at Sacred Heart University. rogue wave has also taught master classes in Contemporary Partnering at universities across the country. Community work is important to the founder, Messina, and seen through her creation of a multiple dance festivals - Fall for Fall, Spring for Spring, and the unKEMpT Dance Festival (in collaboration with Emmy Wildermuth), running affordable class series, and volunteering for DanceATL and Dance/NYC. The work has been described as "exceeding expectations with evocative gestural movement and exquisite partnered pathways" and "wit, engaging vocabulary and a devil-may-care attitude." When founder Messina isn't running rogue wave, she is dancing for One Day Dance, Yoshito Sakurba and Emmy Wildermuth or working in a pediatric hospital as a Child Life Specialist.
