Mason Gross Dance Celebrates 10 years of the EdM in Dance Education Program
On Saturday 11/23, Mason Gross Dance celebrated 10 years of the EdM in Dance Education Program, a very special partnership with the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Congratulations alumni, faculty, cooperating teachers and our fearless administration on many more years of success!
This week: Important Messages, Schedules. Reminders, Health & Wellness, and Student Opportunities
This newsletter is full of fantastic information and opportunities! Be sure to scroll all the way down!
Important Messages
Continuing Student Scholarship: DECEMBER 1 – PRIORITY CONSIDERATION
Students of Mason Gross,
Each year the Mason Gross School of the Arts has a very limited/small amount of scholarship funds available to distribute to continuing students. To make the process of awarding of these funds fair and accessible to all students the New Scholarship Application for continuing students was created.
The Mason Gross continuing student application for NEW scholarship is now available online HERE:https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gdDe47YffsRqyF
THERE ARE SOME CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR:
1. We have moved this application to a completely online format. No paper applications will be accepted.
2. Faculty recommendation letters will no longer be requested or accepted. You may choose to include the name and contact information of a faculty member as a reference you would like us to contact.
3. Please attach all required documents, including your most recent financial aid award letter found online here: https://finservices.rutgers.edu/faaward/letter/awardLogin.htm
WHO THIS APPLICATION IS FOR:
Students who wish to be considered for NEW scholarship money in ADDITION to any awards or loans they are already receiving.
WHO THIS APPLICATION IS NOT FOR:
Students wishing to renew a scholarship they are already getting. If your original award letter indicated your scholarship was renewable you do not need to fill out an application to renew your award. Those scholarships will automatically be renewed therefore no action is required.
DEADLINES:
DECEMBER 1 – PRIORITY CONSIDERATION
JUNE 1 – REGULAR CONSIDERATION
Please note:
· We receive far more applications than we have money to award.
· Submitting an application will NOT guarantee you receive an award, only that you will be considered to receive some of the very limited funds that we have.
· Only students who receive an award will receive a response.
· Notification and assignment of awards will happen on a rolling basis until July 30th. All applications for regular consideration must be received no later than June 1.
· Scholarship funds are distributed on a first come/first served basis. The later you turn in your application the less money will be left for us to distribute.
Please contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if you have any questions.
Schedules
LOOK HERE FOR BALLET & TECHNIQUE CLASS LOCATIONS
- Dance Student TeamUp Calendar
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Senior Thesis/ACDA Showings: Wednesday, December 4th
- All dancers are required to take Ballet as a warmup
- Pre-College Dance Experience: Thursday, December 5th
- Please be on the look out for an email regarding schedule changes
- DAFT Testing: Friday, December 6th
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9:30 – 11:30am in Studio. REQUIRED for all BFA First-Year and first-year Sophomore students – Attendance will be taken by Hollie.
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Reminders
Mindfulness Meditation Session – Monday 12/09
Dance Department Widget! Find out how to get this!
Academic Conflicts with Tech, Dress, and Performances
As soon as students receive the Dance Department Concert Production Schedule for the semester they MUST notify their instructors in courses they are taking outside the Dance Department of any possible conflicts with Dance Department Concert Technical/Dress Rehearsals and Performances. For DancePlus, Tech and Dress also include 30 minutes allotted travel to and from NBPAC. Dancers are required to be at NBPAC no later than 30 minutes prior to Tech start time. See Student TeamUp for detailed schedule. At the beginning of the semester, students must provide their liberal arts and dance instructors a full list of dates of possible Dance concert-related absences from their course so that they can advise Dance BFAs about how to best fulfill their course requirements. Students are responsible for self-managing communications with their course instructors and in fulfilling course obligations. The Dance Department will not be communicating with instructors on your behalf about fulfilling their course requirements. Please note that any concert-related absences must remain within the allowable absences for a given course. (Please see page 29 of the BFA student Handbook).
Facilities Issues
Here is a summary of recent issues and how you can help us keep the studios warmer, cleaner, safer, and operational:
1. Studio security – Don’t allow access to the studios for people who claim they have reserved the location. If they have reserved it, Kevin V will also provide swipe card access. If individuals are waiting to enter when you’re leaving, close the door behind you and leave or call RUPD (732) 932-7211. When at Corwin in particular, do not hesitate to call RUPD if you’re uncomfortable leaving in the evening and want an escort.
2. Corwin swipe – Rutgers information Technology was able to sole the connection issue that prevented several ID’s from working at the doors. Unfortunately, there may be additional problems with the right entry swipe. If you have no luck on the right, please try the left entry door, then contact me.
3. Corwin wall – This past week following classes, somebody had a little accident in the Corwin large studio (see attached) this also happened to be around the time someone used a stick to prop the door open. If a performer accidentally breaks something in the studio, have them contact me. Generally speaking, Kevin and I are less worried about who damaged or how it happened; we just need to know about damage in order to fix it.
4. Nicholas studios – Now that winter weather has arrived, please follow these simple steps if you are the last to use a studio at night.
- Ensure windows are closed.
- Close the curtains.
- Make sure the re-circulation fans are on.
5. Studio 110 sound – In order to save the sound system from overheating, please turn off the power switch after your class is done.
6. Please make sure that you are taking care of the space, put all equipment away at the following of all classes and rehearsals, throw away all garbage, turn off all lights & a/v, lock all doors, etc.. All chair racks, stand racks, and percussion are to be stored in the storage rooms. The carpeted area is to be clear of all equipment except for the piano.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John Gallagher.
Important Drop/Add Registration Dates:
- Sunday, November 3rd: Spring 2020 Preregistration Begins
Winter Session 2020
- December 23, 2019 – January 17, 2020 (3 or 4 credit courses)
- January 2, 2020 -January 17, 2020 (1-2 credit courses)
Save the Date!
BIG CHILL 2019

Registration for the Big Chill 2019 is now open. Don’t miss this Rutgers holiday tradition and one of the largest 5K races in New Jersey on December 7. Participants pay a small race fee and bring toys that are distributed locally. Run or walk, and register as an individual or team today!
Immersion On Dancing Around Race
Get to know our Faculty
Featured this week is ballet instructor Jennifer Sydor
Jennifer Sydor described as “dazzling” by The Boston Globe and “remarkable for her intense focus and vivid dramatic skill” by The New York Times, began her dance training at The Dayton Ballet School. She holds an MFA from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a BFA from Butler University. In NYC she has enjoyed an extensive career as a freelance performer with choreographers such as Laura Peterson, David Parker, Vanessa Walters, John Carrafa, John Heginbotham, Kim Brandstrup, Jill Sigman, Stefanie Nelson, Nia Love, Janice Lancaster, Sharon Moore, Ben Asriel, Janessa Clark, to name a few. She has toured internationally as a dancer with the avant-garde performance troupe and electro pop band Fischerspooner, in collaboration with The Wooster Group. She has performed in the Bessie Award winning productions Fraulein Maria, choreographed by Doug Elkins and Third Rail Project’s Then She Fell.
Jennifer is in her fourteenth season as a dancer with The Metropolitan Opera where she has worked with Tony Award winning directors such as Mary Zimmerman, Michael Grandage and Bartlett Sher. She has appeared in The Met Opera’s Live in HD broadcasts worldwide, and on PBS’s Great Performances in the operas Manon, Don Giovanni, Armida, The Magic Flute,Turandot and La Sonnambula.
Her choreographic work has been shown at Triskelion Arts (NYC), Northern Plains Dance (ND), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Virginia Governor’s School (VA). She has taught as part-time faculty at Rutgers University, The Dayton Ballet School and Virginia Governor’s School. Jennifer is a Pilates mat instructor certified through The Kane School/Kinected Pilates under the instruction of Kelly Kane.
Health & Wellness
Rutgers Counseling, ADAP, & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Richard Carlson – Let’s Talk Hours
Visual Arts Building*
33 Livingston Ave
Office is in the Gallery: 2nd right and to the back
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
CAPS Counselor: Richard Carlson
*Building is in Downtown New Brunswick
Community Based Counseling – RUCAPS
Students may also reach out to the following resources for support:
- NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735
- Crisis Text Line: Text KNIGHTS to 741741 (anytime 24/7), Text STEVE for unmet mental health needs of students of color.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Soma Center Pilates Reformer Sign-Up for Second Half of Semester
MFA, EdM, BFA, BA majors and Dance Minors are invited to sign up for free Pilates Reformer small group sessions in the Dance Department Soma Center. Sessions for the second half of the semester are available Monday 4-7 pm and Tuesday 4-7 pm, and begin on Monday, October 28th. The sign-up sheet is posted outside the Soma Center, and sign-up is on a first-come basis. Students can sign up for a once-a-week, hour-long session. Reformer classes are a wonderful opportunity to supplement your dance training, so please take advantage of this opportunity if your schedule permits.
Polestar Pilates Reformer Training
Apply Here: Spring 2020 Polester Pilates Reformer Teacher Training
Inspira Seeking Dance Teacher
- Classes are thirty minutes in length.
- Day needed: Saturday, 12pm – 3pm in New Brunswick.
- BFA or BA in Dance Preferred, but not required.
- Must have 2 years minimum teaching experience.
- Candidates must have excellent, organization, effective verbal and written communication, creative and flexible teaching style, and an enthusiastic and warm approach with students.
- We only hire career minded, long term employees who have stand-out work ethic and desire to grow. This role is not for a short-term placement or someone not looking to grow inside our company.
- To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume and link to a private youtube channel or video of you teaching and a video of why you are the right person for the job to the email below.
987D Jersey Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
How To Get Student Funding From MGSGA
Accademia dell’arte Summer 2020 Intensive

- Program Dates: June 21 – July 18, 2020
- Program Fee: $2950 (includes tuition, housing and 3 meals per day M-F)
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: December 1, 2019 ($100 off the Program Fee)*
- No audition required. Only 14 places available and they’re filled first-come, first-served.
- Course credit is available for an additional administrative fee.*
Weeks 1 & 2
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Weeks 3 & 4
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Faculty:Sabine Fichter
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Faculty:Helena Fernandino & Wagner Moreira
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Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is proud to bring back their holiday production by Artistic Director Alberto Lopez Herrera and Co-Founder & Executive Director Juan Castaño. “Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas” celebrates the holiday traditions experienced by a young person of Mexican immigrant parents growing up in New York City. This unique cultural production will be presented this holiday season at the Apollo Theater for one show on Sunday December 1st and at Queens Theatre for four shows on Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th.
Visit Calpulli at the Apollo for ticketing information
Carolyn Dorfman Dance
RSVP via email to Madeline Moore, mmoore@carolyndorfman.dance
David Dorfman Dance
Early-bird registration is open for David Dorfman Dance 2020 NYC Winter Intensive. Dance with us January 2-7!
Course offerings:Technique, Text, Improvisation, Repertory, Partnering, Somatics
Special Events:
Daily company rehearsal open to all attendees, Improv jams, End of the week showing and more to be announced
Tuition: $550 after October 29
Visit David Dorfman Dance 2020 Intensives for more information
Movement Research
Winter MELT 2020
January 6-24
with
luciana achugar
Chris Aiken
mayfield brooks
John Jasperse
Jaamil Olawale Kosoko
Lisa Nelson
Kristopher K.Q. Pourzal
Shelley Senter
Registration opens Tuesday, October 29
EARLYBIRD discounts available through November 15
Website:MELT 2020
About MELT:
MELT Intensives are a series of daily workshops in technique, somatics, improvisation, composition and other areas offered each summer and winter. Taught by Movement Research’s internationally recognized faculty as well as acclaimed guest artists, these workshops provide students with the unique opportunity to engage with some of the most highly regarded and innovative artists in the field of dance today.
2020 Dance Exchange Winter Institute
OAC: 2020 Winter Institute
January 9-12, 2020
$400 (General Public)
$300 (Institute Alumni & Adults 60+)
@ Dance Exchange (7117 Maple Ave; Takoma Park, MD 20912)
*Limited Work/Study & Scholarship available
We will explore intergenerational dancemaking and collaboration with participants from our local region and across the globe. Anyone 18+ is welcome to join.
As a Winter Institute participant, you will:
Participate in a daily movement practice
Share collaborative practices and tools for intergenerational dancemaking
Cultivate a deeper understanding of what it is to be an artist-citizen in the world
This will be a supportive environment for focused training and development for movers and thinkers of all ages and physical capacities—for those coming to dance through another field, returning to dance after many years, or currently in a daily dance practice.
To register, please click HERE.
The School at Jacob’s Pillow
Programs offered during Festival 2020 are Contemporary Ballet; Street & Club Dances: Styles, Culture, History; Contemporary; Musical Theatre Dance; The Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellows Program; and Art of Photographing Dance.
2020 PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMS: Click HERE For Registration
Contemporary Ballet
Jun 15-28 | Annabelle Lopez Ochoa & Luis R. Torres, Program Directors
Street & Club Dance: Styles, Culture, History
Jun 29-Jul 12 | Ephrat Asherie & Archie Burnett, Program Directors
Contemporary
Jul 13-Aug 2 | Milton Myers & Didy Veldman, Program Directors
Musical Theatre Dance
Aug 3-24 | Jeffrey Page, Program Director and Creative Team of Composer/Music Director & Script Developer
