Announcing the Retirement of MANCC Director, Carla Peterson
A message from Dean Frazier:
As you may have heard, Carla Peterson, the esteemed director of the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) at Florida State University has announced her planned retirement, effective December 31, 2024. Carla’s leadership of MANCC has been nothing short of transformative. For over a decade, she has been at the forefront, championing the support and engagement of artists’ research and creative processes. Her contributions have significantly helped to shape the field of dance, and for this, we are immensely grateful.
As part of this major transition, MANCC will be taking a strategic pause on hosting residencies starting in late January 2025. This hiatus will extend through to the beginning of 2026. In an era where the arts face unprecedented challenges, we want to assure everyone that this pause is a proactive measure. It is an opportunity for reflection on MANCC’s 20-year legacy and to strategically plan for the next phase of our journey, taking thoughtful steps toward a vibrant future.
MANCC is a cornerstone of the research portfolio of the FSU College of Fine Arts and an integral part of FSU’s institutional culture. We are committed to advancing the field of dance and continuing our legacy of innovation and excellence.
We applaud Carla’s remarkable career and are indebted for her years of impassioned service. Her vision and dedication will continue to inspire us as we look forward to the future of MANCC and the broader dance community.
Carla Peterson, with José Ome Navarrete Mazatl and Debby Kajiyama (NAKA Dance Theater) and FSU’s Communication Professor, Dr. Felecia Jordan, 2024.
Carla Peterson with MANCC’s namesake and benefactor, Margaret (Maggie) Strum Acheson Allesee (1928–2023) with her daughter, dance teacher Kathy Cooke and School of Dance Assistant Professor Caleb Mitchell, 2018.
FSU’s School of Dance Presents ‘An Evening of Dance’
Mikaela Ware (BFA, 25) performs Anthony Morgan’s choreography in “An Evening of Dance” 2023. (Meagan Helman)
Florida State University’s School of Dance presents “An Evening of Dance,” showcasing five groundbreaking choreographic works.
The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 in the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre, located in Montgomery Hall on the FSU campus. Friday evening will include a pre-show discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m., offering the audience insight into the creative process behind the performances.
“This year, we are thrilled to present a collection of innovative works that bring contemporary issues and personal expression to the forefront,” said Anjali Austin, chair of the School of Dance. “These pieces reflect the diversity, creativity and power of dance as a storytelling medium.”
Kara Wilkes cast of “More” in rehearsal preparing for An Evening of Dance. (Kara Wilkes)Kara Wilkes cast of “More” in rehearsal preparing for An Evening of Dance. (Kara Wilkes)
The evening features various works choreographed by esteemed faculty Caleb Mitchell, Kara Wilkes, Tim Glenn and Kehinde Ishangi; and renowned visiting guest artist Peter Chu.
Tim Glenn’s multimedia work “Doven Souls” returns to the FSU stage after its initial debut in 2012. Combining live dance, synchronized projections and an original score by Alex Davis, this piece delves into the ethereal world of supernatural life forces and kinetic motion, transporting audiences into a mystic journey.
Caleb Mitchell’s “Heart’s Cry” explores the silence surrounding the outcry of marginalized voices, using a powerful pas de deux en pointe set to Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten. This work serves as an ode to those individuals whose pleas for help have gone unheard.
Kara Wilkes’ “MORE” takes a deep dive into consumer culture during the Information Age. Through contemporary ballet, viewers will follow the lives of retailers, delivery workers and consumers as they grapple with themes of addiction, greed and the cyclical nature of modern consumption.
Kehinde Ishangi’s “Under the Surface There is Heaven” is a profound exploration of Black women reclaiming their identity and brilliance. This four-part journey, set to music by Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack and Jill Scott, reflects the emotional arc from agony to transcendence.
Peter Chu’s “Text When You Land” brings together a cast of 12 dancers to explore human connection and healing. Known for his unique fusion of contemporary movement and traditional Chinese influences, Chu’s work provides a captivating and rhythmic approach to storytelling.
“These performances represent the depth of talent at FSU’s School of Dance and highlight our dedication to pushing the boundaries of movement and expression,” Austin said.
Tickets for “An Evening of Dance” are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens, $12 for children and non-FSU students, and $10 for FSU students with ID. All seating is general admission.
For tickets or more information, visit tickets.dance.fsu.edu or contact the FSU School of Dance.
