By: Anna Prentiss , La Toya Davis-Craig
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.
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.”
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.”
To purchase tickets, visit tickets.dance.fsu.edu.
