ARTS & CULTURE
Company time
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Pictured (clockwise from center front) are: Nadia Nimberger, Mercedes Lewis, Joy Wilson, Emilie Paap and Camden Williams. |
For the first time in its history, Barry University has an official dance company.
In 2009 the Barry University Repertory Dance Ensemble (BURDE) was formed led by Assistant Professor of Dance Yvonne Jones Goodridge.
The company performs various dance styles ranging from modern, ballet, jazz, Caribbean, African and hip hop. The dancers are all Barry students with a major in theater and dance specialization or a minor in dance.
The mission of the company is to provide a professional learning environment where students will interact with educators and performing artists in the field of dance and dance education.
"BURDE has given me the opportunity to expand my range of movement technically and artistically,” said sophomore Nadia Nimburger. “These elements will help me to achieve my ultimate goal of creating my own company."
Goodridge, artistic director of BURDE, completed her undergraduate studies at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts and received a graduate degree from Columbia University, Teachers College. She has been a full-time dance professor at Barry University since 1994, developing dancers and the dance program to national recognition.
“As we move forward our goal is to give back to the community not only with performances but also by adding an outreach program to bring dance to the underserved children in the community,” Goodridge said. “This program will help students appreciate community service, foster an understanding of various dance styles and cultures, and bring the ecumenical dimension to its members, while weaving that common thread in our global world of dance.” |
