This past weekend the SHSU Dance Department hosted the 7th annual Dance Gallery Best of 10 festival.
It showcased works choreographed by alumni, emerging dancers, and established dancers from around the country.
Due to the gallery, over the weekend featured dancers came to Sam Houston to teach classes for aspiring dance majors alongside their performances for the public. Astrid von Ussar hosted the event, and is the Founder and Artistic Director of the gallery. Andy Noble, hosted the event alongside von Ussar, who is the Associate Artistic Director.
Manuel Vignouelle was this year’s artist in residence at Sam Houston, and he performed some of his best known pieces.
All performances by the dancers were modern and contemporary pieces. The dances were sensual, yet professional, very graceful and athletic. The music matched the mood of the set on the stage and movements of the performers.
Coordinator of the Dance Gallery, Dionne Noble, says that the inspiration for the festival came from founder, Astrid Von Ussar who was discouraged that younger artists did not have a platform to showcase their work.
“Mrs. Von Ussar was discouraged in New York by the idea that it is really hard for an artist starting out to be able to afford to show their work on a big stage, which is why we brought the festival to Texas,” Noble said.
Noble also said that some of the participants in this year’s event will be heading to New York for their Dance Gallery Festival.
Sam Houston had the opportunity to host these talented artists this weekend and took it as a step to advance the program for all involved.