University of Iowa Department of Dance

From Iowa City to an international venue ✨

Dance faculty member Stephanie Miracle is sparking global creativity through her work with FAKERS CLUB, an international ensemble project that creates live-cinema performances in public space across the world.

Currently midway through Miracle's creative research project and guest professorship at Folkwang University in Europe, FAKERS CLUB brought Miracle's passion for exploring the “mysterious charm of public spaces” to a one-of-a-kind, cross-disciplinary performance experience produced by Next.Impuls and designed for an old ribbon making factory in Wuppertal, Germany.

Recent BA graduate Jason Vernon and Jordan Gigout, Fall 2025 UI Obermann International Fellow, also part of the FAKERS CLUB creative & performance ensemble, contributed to this vibrant international exchange of ideas.

We’re proud to see our faculty and students lead bold, boundary-pushing work that connects our campus to creative communities worldwide. 💛🌍🖤

Photo credit: Sarah Holt and Ralf Silberkuhl

Over the past two weeks, UI dancers worked closely with guest artist Kyle Marshall, culminating in last weekend’s performance of the world premiere of Render!

Choreographed by Kyle Marshall, Render also featured original solo material created by the performers.

Performers: Douglas Baker, Addison Boon, Noah Fox, Asmere Jensen, Ella Kempen, Kennedy Klubertanz, Samantha Lorenc, Addison Magruder, Allyson Meinders, Noelle Michael, Samantha Patterson, Tyler Phi, Emily Pyburn, McKenna Stephens, Trinity Woody.

See a few snapshots of our UI dancers at rehearsal below!

Also featured was Bound, a 45-minute work of dance, spoken word, sound, and technology that reimagines destiny while reflecting on African American history, performed by the Kyle Marshall Choreography company.

Congratulations to Melinda Jean Meyers on her Dean's Scholar Award 👏👯‍♀️

The Dean's Scholar Award honors faculty who excel in teaching and creative advances. Along with the two year award, Melinda has received a one-time grant for equipment, travel, supplies, or other research/teaching initiatives.

Melinda was chosen by The CLAS Committee on Faculty Promotion and Tenure selects each year's class of Dean's Scholars. She is a choreographer, performer, and interdisciplinary artist who focuses on movement, storytelling, and lived experience. She engages dance as both a rigorous physical language and a vehicle for social and emotional inquiry.

Read more about her work and award in the comments below 💛🏆

Come dance with us? 💃 ✨

Dance often evokes thoughts of studios and spot-lit stages but dance can happen anywhere. Stephanie Miracle, assistant professor of dance, conducts creative research aimed at placing dance in nontraditional spaces to better connect audiences with the world around them.

Check out Stephanie's Research Minute on Where Dance Happens, shared by the University of Iowa's Research YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Wriecd7Ft_U?si=N3k-JADXJz7jWLhY 💃

The University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School is looking to hire one or more Ballet and Pointe Instructors with interest in and experience teaching youth and adults! 🩰

The University of Iowa Youth Ballet and Community Dance School is dedicated to community building and devoted to instructing both classical and contemporary dance forms. Candidates must have a background in ballet and pointe instruction and should be interested in continuing to develop their teaching using current best practices.

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/4nC5ZKH

Many generations of Hawkeyes have come through Halsey Hall throughout the years. As we prepare for a new chapter in a new building next year, Halsey Hall will always be in our hearts 💛🖤

Photos in order:
1. Front of Halsey, 1930s
2. Students playing badminton, 1940s
3. Ballet rehearsals, 1919
4–5. Work and study areas, 1910s

Congratulations to Kristin Marrs on her Collegiate Teaching Award for the Department of Dance! 💃🩰

The Collegiate Teaching Award is given to faculty who demonstrate outstanding performance in the classroom/studio. They are chosen by the CLAS Teaching Awards Committee and are recognized by their peers for stimulating and satisfying students' desire to learn.

Kristin Marrs is an associate professor of instruction in the Department of Dance. She focuses on rethinking ballet training while prioritizing exploration and individual growth.

Learn more about Kristin and her award in the comments below!