Story by Brandon Adams
When people think of the word “reunion,” all sorts of things come to mind. Perhaps it’s a family reunion, with the awkwardness of seeing a long-lost cousin or the thought of politely laughing at Uncle Ed’s bad jokes. Others might think of a high school class reunion, with butterflies about running into a school sweetheart, or the pressure of impressing old friends. However, when a college reunion is mentioned, most people cannot help but smile as they remember the fun times and incredible memories they made with friends who became a second family. 
The Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre and Dance will host its first Alumni Dance Celebration April 27-30, a reunion of dancers from as far back as the mid-1970s. This four-day event features dance alumni teaching master classes, concerts performed by former CSU dance majors, social gatherings for re-connecting, and presentations on dance degree career options by successful teachers, performers, choreographers and entrepreneurs. The complete schedule of events outlines three days packed with activities and rehearsals, with concerts on the third and fourth days. The final day of the event is intentionally left open for socializing, seeing how campus has changed, and re-visiting the joys of Fort Collins.
Rams from all around the nation, from New York to Los Angeles, will be in attendance for this event. Director of Dance Jane Slusarski-Harris wrote an open letter to dance alumni, expressing her genuine excitement and anticipation for the celebration. “Many of you have already responded… I am delighted and thrilled to hear from so many!” Slusarki-Harris wrote.
Some concert performers and master class alumni teachers include Amy Havens (1991), Chas Kilker-Greener (1995), Gustavo Vargas (1997), Jessica Riggs (2007), Denna Thomsen (2007), Andrea Palesh (2008), Grady Soapes (2009) and Alyssa Howell (2014). Click here for a complete list of performers and teachers.
This celebration is designed to bring together current and future alumni, as well as community members. Throughout the years, many community members have supported CSU Dance in countless ways. From financial gifts to scholarship and endowment funds to purchasing tickets for performances, it is very clear how much Fort Collins values the Dance Program at CSU. As a result, Slusarski-Harris has made all of the master classes and presentations free and open to the public; click here for the full schedule.
Tickets for the concerts will be $18/adult, $8/youth, and no charge for full-fee paying CSU students; they are available at CSUArtsTickets.com.
Reception RSVP
After the Friday night performance, the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will host a gala reception open to anyone who has attended the concert. It will be an excellent time to reflect on an incredible week, meet new faces, and enjoy some food. Those who are anticipating attending the reception are asked to RSVP here, so that an accurate amount of food can be ordered.
From Rams returning home to members of the dance and arts community to current students enrolled in the dance program, the event will be one that all will remember. For more information, contact Slusarski-Harris at J.Slusarski-Harris@colostate.edu.
The College of Liberal Arts and Dean Ann Gill provided support for CSU’s Dance Alumni Celebration.
