Traveling the world of dance

UNLV Dancers have traveled to Scotland, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Korea, Germany, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Australia. Courtesy Photo

On a typical day in the Alta Ham Fine Arts Building a person is likely to hear the sound of a trumpet, the words of Shakespeare being recited and the rhythm of music coming from a dance studio. In October an extra sound was added. This new noise distinguished a different culture.

Korean men and women roamed the halls, wearing tights and leotards, speaking a very different language. They joined the UNLV dance department in several classes and rehearsals. The two cultures worked collaboratively to assemble the concert entitled “Together,” which was given Oct. 24 and 25.

“Having the Koreans here has been quite an experience,” junior dance major Kati Duffy said. “The language barrier has made communicating a challenge, but it is easy to see beyond our cultural differences because we are all here for the same reason, to dance.”

UNLV dance students performed a Korean dance with visiting Korean dance students in October. Courtesy Photo

The UNLV dancers learned a Korean dance, which they rehearsed and performed. The style was much different than what the students were used to.

“The movement is slow, but very detailed and there is reason and emotion behind every single step,” Duffy said.

The department not only welcomes dancers from other countries, they also travel overseas every semester. Dancers have traveled to Scotland, England, Korea, Germany, Turks and Caicos Islands and Australia.

“I planned the first trip after teaching a class and finding out that many of the students’ experiences were limited to Las Vegas,” said Dean of the Fine Arts, Jeff Koep. “The truth is that these students, even if they choose to remain in Nevada, need exposure to the arts beyond Las Vegas.”

Chairperson of the department of dance arts, Louis Kavouras has traveled with students. He noticed many changes after students return. 

“As artists they are empowered,” Kavouras said. “You can only make sense of the world if you travel it. Being able to interact with different cultures who share the same passions is what makes this dance department unique.”

Auditions are held every semester to determine who will travel. The program accepts students interested in dance production as well. Senior Katie Hughes traveled to South Korea and Australia to help with lighting and choreography.

“Before leaving for both Australia and Korea, I had to know the space, dimensions, equipment, performance and rehearsal times and the costumes needed,” Hughes said. “It takes a lot of work and preparation to be able to partake in opportunities like these, but every minute is worth it.”

The dancers spend the months before they leave rehearsing and fundraising. They are also required to attend meetings once a week for the month prior to departure to become more familiar with the culture. The department traveled South Korea this semester.

“I had never traveled to another country before, and learning about the Korean culture through dance and their daily routines was not only interesting, but also inspiring,” Duffy said. “By the end of our trip we were all in tears saying goodbye to our new friends that taught us how unique and special dance really is in all aspects.”

International trips and exchanges are made possible by the work of Susan Thompson and the UNLV international programs office. Kristin Young and Kris Resa of the international student and scholar’s office also play a large role in the department’s travels.

“The UNLV dance students who have been participating in this project have expressed a sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work with dancers of different cultures both here and abroad. It has been a very successful project that we hope will continue for many years,” Thompson said.

The dance department will continue their traveling trend by flying overseas to Australia next semester. New dancers will be selected to represent UNLV this summer when the department continues their enrichment in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“International experience, and by that I mean actually working actively on creating as well as presenting one’s art in a global venue, leads to a deeper appreciation on all levels,” Koep said.

The dancers of UNLV will continue doing what they love and hopefully by learning the techniques and styles of different cultures will become more versatile. The exposure will continue with support of the dance faculty, the help of the international and scholar offices and the work ethic of the students.

“This world is becoming a smaller place and it is important to experience world events, world art and world culture while we can,” Kavouras said. “Where languages may differ, as dancers we speak a universal language: the language of the body. That is what makes the experience worthwhile.”