Florida State University School of Dance Professor Jen Atkins is launching “Popular Culture Movements,” a new podcast  and interactive website that will examine the relationships between popular culture and dance. The podcast’s first season, “Swan Lake Unfolded,” explores how the classical ballet “Swan Lake” ripples through popular culture.  

“It isn’t solely about ‘Swan Lake’—it’s about myths, parody, music, history, games, dancing, food, memory, and more! It’s a celebration of reinvention and what the past reveals about our present and the kinds of futures we want to create,” said Atkins. “In this first season, we hope to encourage audiences to spot the swan…and question the story, but this season is just the first part of a larger project, ‘Popular Culture Movements,’ which will map how cultural touchstones move through media and investigate what that means.”  

Atkins will host a free talk highlighting the project on Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in FSU’s Montgomery Hall, located at 130 Collegiate Loop, Tallahassee, prior to the 7:30 performance of Days of Dance. This special pre-show event is free and open to the public. However, tickets are required for the following performance. 

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“Swan Lake Unfolded” is now available for streaming on Spotify and other major platforms. To learn more about the podcast and view web-exclusive content, visit   SwanLakeUnfolded.com. 

Tickets to all Days of Dance performances are available now at tickets.dance.fsu.edu.   

To learn more about the School of Dance, its programs and upcoming events, visit dance.fsu.edu. 

By: Anna Prentiss , La Toya Davis-Craig

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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.