Welcome Back!

After the whirlwind of a faculty retreat, Majors' Day, and Convocation, the Maggie Allesee Department of Dance is leaping, turning, rolling--you name it--into the 2007-2008 school year. While the news of budget cuts reminds us of the responsibility we have to be frugal, we are fortunate to have been able to provide many of our majors with substantial scholarships.

We welcome two new instructors to our family--Ali Woerner, who with a successful performing career and an MFA from the University of Michigan will be teaching both modern and jazz techniques; and Thayer Jonutz, teaching modern technique after years of full-time performing. These two join our diverse and talented faculty--check out our profiles at http://dance.wayne.edu/faculty_profiles.php.

Finally, I am pleased to join the department as Interim Chair. Dr. Doug Risner has shifted into a faculty role where he can focus on teaching in the classroom and studio, continue his research agenda, and help lead the department from a different vantage point. Thanks to him for his service. I'm excited for this year--great guests, an accreditation visit, and a fantastic group of majors. Come see why Wayne State University is the place to dance!