History

The history of Arizona State University School of Dance goes back 77 years to classes in "interpretive dance," which were first offered by the Department of Physical Education in 1931.

The first director of the program, in 1937, was Dorothy Gillanders, a modern dancer who worked with Martha Graham and others, whose mission was to bring modern dance to the university community.

In 1954, Margaret Gisolo directed the program and began the expansion and growth of both curriculum and faculty. Two undergraduate degrees were initiated and a student dance company was formed. Margaret Gisolo left the position of chair after 23 years of service, and in 1977 Beth Lessard was appointed the new chair.

During Beth Lessard's tenure the Dance program moved out of the jurisdiction of Physical Education and into the Herberger College of the Arts, renowned choreographer and dance artist Daniel Nagrin joined the faculty, and a Master of the Arts degree was initiated. The dance program enjoyed much national recognition for its esteemed faculty, celebrated choreography, innovative programs and guest artist residencies.

Beth Lessard left the position of chair in 1993, and Pam Matt was appointed as acting-chair until 1996 when a new chair, Claudia Murphey, was brought from George Mason University to further establish the department’s reputation for excellence in education, production and technology.

From January to July, 2003, Dr. Naomi Jackson served as interim chair. Dr. Bonnie Eckard, former chair of the then Department of Theatre, was interim chair during the 2004-2005 academic year. Dr. Pegge Vissicaro, while serving as interim chair during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons, led the department in creating a strategic plan that included several, significant curriculum changes. In 2006, Herberger College Dance was featured in a cover story entitled “Innovation in the Desert” in Dance Teacher Magazine.

In August 2007, Simon Dove assumed the position of chair, and the challenge to build on the strengths of the past while aligning the department with the goals of the New American University.