ACDFA Reactions
Barnard College hosted the 2008 National College Dance Festival June 4-6, bringing college dancers and choreographers together from around the country. A total of 27 schools came together to perform. The American College Dance Festival Association hosts festivals throughout the year in ten regions. Every two years the adjudicators select two pieces from each region to be performed at the National Festival in June.
I was blown away by New Mexico State University and Kennesaw State University. Debra Knapp, the director of dance at New Mexico State University, choreographed the duet Touch, which was performed by Candace Williams and Joseph Putman. I was not surprised to discover Williams received the ACDFA/Dance Magazine award for Outstanding Student Performer. It wasn’t her impeccable technique and graceful strength that captured the audience, but the connection she shared with Putman. They moved through the piece with the familiarity and clarity of seasoned professional dancers. Kennesaw State University’s dance program brought Incubus choreographed by faculty member Ivan Pulinkala. The all-male cast was quite impressive, but it was the choreography that stole the show. Pulinkala’s piece incorporated three wooden, ladder-like structures that allowed the dancers to move through the air with animalistic force.
