FSU Dance Shines at Annual American College Dance Association Southeast Conference
“Ghetto Birds,” Choreorgaphed by MFA student by Khorii Tinson was selected to represent FSU ant the ACDA Southeast Conference at the organization’s National Dance Festival this May. Photo By Marielle Richardson.
Choreographic works by two Florida State University School of Dance graduate students were selected to be performed at the American College Dance Association’s Southeast Conference Awards Gala on March 8. Khorii Tinson’s “Ghetto Birds” and Marielle Richardson’s “Accumulating Parts” were among the 12 works selected from 49 submissions by student choreographers at colleges and universities throughout the southeastern United States.
Tinson’s work was one of only three pieces selected to represent the Southeast Conference at the ACDA National College Dance Festival in Washington, DC this May. FSU dance students will perform “Ghetto Birds” at the Gonda Theatre at Georgetown University as a part of a Gala performance that features nationally recognized student, faculty, and guest artist works from colleges and universities across the country.
School of Dance students perform “Ghetto Birds.” Photo by Marielle RichardsonSchool of Dance students perform “Ghetto Birds.” Photo by Marielle Richardson
“I am immensely proud of all of our student choreographers and performers from Florida State University for their outstanding achievements,” said James Frazier, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. For Khorii Tinson, and the incredible performers of ‘Ghetto Birds,’ being selected for the 2025 ACDA National College Dance Festival is an extraordinary honor, made even more significant by the fact that their work was chosen by professionals through blind adjudication to represent the Southeast Region on a national platform. This recognition speaks to their exceptional artistry, dedication, and the profound impact of their creative expression. Congratulations on this well-earned distinction!”
The ACDA is a national organization dedicated to supporting dance at the collegiate level across the US. Students attending its regional conferences and national festival look forward to valuable networking opportunities, classes and workshops from leading instructors, and scholarly research presentations.
Each year, student travel costs for the ACDA Southeast Conference are covered by Friends of Dance. This group of dedicated supporters and volunteers help make incredible opportunities possible for FSU dance students. Learn more or become involved at dance.fsu.edu/friends.
School of Dance students perform “Accumulating Parts.” Photo by Marielle Richardson.School of Dance students perform “Accumulating Parts.” Photo by Marielle Richardson.
World-renowned choreographer inspires FSU dance students through artistic collaboration
Florida State University’s School of Dance students had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographer Peter Chu during two weeklong residencies. (Meagan Helman)
Florida State University’s School of Dance students had a unique opportunity to work with world-renowned choreographer Peter Chu during two separate weeklong residencies. Chu is known for his evocative fusion of contemporary movement and traditional Chinese medicine.
During these residencies, Chu and Jenni Gordon, artistic collaborator with Chu’s company chuthis, adapted the original work of “Text When You Land,” and guided the students through an intensive creative process. This process emphasized exploring movement from new perspectives, focusing on the importance of intention and the transformative power of dance. Chu’s unique approach blends contemporary dance with elements of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong and Taiji, immersing the students in a holistic and innovative dance experience.
“Bringing in guest artists like Chu is part of our ongoing commitment to student growth, providing dancers the opportunity to interact with and learn directly from artists of international acclaim.”
— Anjali Austin, chair of the School of Dance
“For School of Dance students, working under Chu’s mentorship was an invaluable experience — one that extended far beyond the dance floor,” said Anjali Austin, chair of the School of Dance. “Bringing in guest artists like Chu is part of our ongoing commitment to student growth, providing dancers the opportunity to interact with and learn directly from artists of international acclaim.”
Throughout the residencies, students were challenged to push their boundaries and think deeply about their artistic choices. Chu’s mentorship provided them with insights into the professional dance world, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work required to bring a piece to life.
The culmination of this intensive process is the world premiere of Chu’s adapted piece “Text When You Take Off,” part of “An Evening of Dance,” which features works by FSU faculty alongside Chu’s. The evening not only showcases the talent and dedication of FSU’s students but underscores the School of Dance’s commitment to providing transformative, world-class learning experiences.
During the residencies, students were encouraged to explore their limits and reflect deeply on their artistic decisions. (Meagan Helman)
“An Evening of Dance” highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of FSU’s students, showcasing their commitment to world-class learning experiences. (Meagan Helman)
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre in Montgomery Hall on the FSU campus. A pre-show discussion will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, offering insights into the creative process.
With a career spanning more than three decades and collaborations with Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot and Cirque du Soleil, Chu’s influence in the dance world is vast. For the School of Dance undergraduate students, engaging with Chu brought new depth to their craft.
“Working with Peter Chu has taught me how important the creative process is,” said Emmett Higgins, a senior dance major from Orlando. “There is so much behind-the-scenes work to present a piece in the most impactful way. This experience gave me insight into what life might be like in a professional company, which has been a long-standing dream of mine.”
Bailey Carson, a sophomore dancer in the cast, noted how Chu’s intricate approach to movement has broadened her understanding of dance.
“Peter’s incorporation of Chinese medicine and Taiji opened a new scope for me,” Carson said. “Watching him transform the smallest details in the piece taught me the power of intention. The piece — after his final tweaks — was completely different from before. It was an inspiring process.”
Working with guest artist Peter Chu showcases the School of Dance’s dedication to providing exceptional learning opportunities. (Meagan Helman)
FSU students collaborating with Peter Chu during the rehearsal of ‘Text When You Take-Off’, immersing themselves in his unique blend of contemporary dance and traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong, and Taiji. (Meagan Helman)
For students, working with a guest artist like Chu refines their technical skills while preparing them for the professional world. Associate Professor Ilana Goldman, who served as the rehearsal director for the piece, highlighted the importance of these interactions.
“Guest artists bring fresh perspectives and ways of engaging with students,” she said. “In the field, dancers are often evaluated quickly by potential employers. Learning to make an impression and adjust to feedback from someone they haven’t worked with before is a critical skill.”
