Did you know Old Dominion University (ODU) has a dance program? In fact, you can major or minor in dance and major in dance education. Similar to many dance programs, there is a show every semester to showcase the talent—and that is what UDT is. UDT stands for University Dance Theater, a performance that showcases fellow students at ODU and their talents. In fact, the show is extra special because there are three student pieces within it. Those pieces were choreographed by students at ODU and showcased at the Dance Association (DA) Showcase on Dec. 6, 2024. This being said, let’s take a sneak peek at what is being shown at this spring’s UDT.
First, there is a ballet piece from adjunct ballet and yoga professor Lauren Sinclair. Sinclair went to ODU and pursued a Communications degree. She has performed with Ballet Austin, Virginia Ballet Theatre, along with others, and currently teaches at the Governor’s School for the Arts. This semester, Sinclair is putting on a piece called The Gallery. The piece is set in a museum where people dance amongst art that was created by ODU students as well as the girlfriend of one of the dancers. Not only do we get to see them experience the art, but live it too. There is a modern edge to the choreography that truly elevates the piece, and even a hint of yoga to pay homage to that form of movement. I had the honor of being in Sinclair’s piece last semester, and I cannot wait to see what she has created for this semester’s UDT.
Next, there is a modern piece from adjunct Modern and Dance and Its Audience professor Victoria Fink. Fink attended Virginia Commonwealth University for Theater with a minor in Dance and later pursued a master of Fine Arts from Temple University. Later on she became a professor at both universities where she earned her degrees along with William & Mary. This semester, Fink is putting on a piece called Shielded Pressure, which explores tension rising and how it can feel uncomfortable to acknowledge the feeling of not knowing. The dancers were tasked with replicating the journey of pressure consuming one person, how society affects it, and the growth that comes with the experience. This piece is unique and interpersonal to everyone; I cannot wait to see what Fink is presenting for UDT this semester.
The ODU dance program has produced immense talent, along with the guest artist for this Spring semester’s UDT. Elijah (Eli) Motley graduated from ODU in 2017 with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Beforehand, he received a BFA from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Since receiving his degrees, he has performed and taken his work all over the world. He is currently a professor at Elon University and a part of the Rouge Artistry Dance Crew. This semester, he is bringing a condensed version of his piece Café 808, which explores how an audience can change a piece. Every night is a different performance because of the vibe the audience gives off when entering the theater, level of cheering, amount of people, and so on. The piece combines multiple dance styles and is unique beyond compare; it will be a true wondrous sight at this spring’s UDT concerts.
Now, let’s discuss the ODU student pieces. Starting off with senior and Dance Association President, Asia Guns, this performance was selected after it was performed on Dec. 6 at the 2024 DA Showcase. I had the pleasure of watching this electric piece live. It is a fun and vibrant hip hop dance jam packed with personality, precision, and power, along with amazing music selections (including one from a recent Super Bowl performance). Guns has since worked to add onto this piece and make it truly memorable.
When I asked Guns what her piece was about, she explained that, “It’s a vibrant celebration of culture, joy, and undeniable energy from the Black community. This piece radiates power, confidence and unity, showcasing the music, movement, and spirit that define Black culture…It’s more than a performance—it’s a statement of pride, a display of collective greatness, and a reminder that Black excellence is not just something we achieve but something we live every day. The Blacker the better.” I, now, cannot wait to see the newest rendition of Black Excellence.
There is another ballet piece on the board this year, choreographed by senior and DA Secretary, Alaina Reed. Debuted at the DA showcase, this piece is called The Domino Effect; as you can probably tell from the title, it depicts one person following the other, and it’s more open to interpretation with that title as well. When I saw it for the first time, I interpreted it as society falling one after the other and causing a chain reaction to result in where we all end up. It is beautifully choreographed, so expressive and detailed with many moving parts that keep your attention. This piece is truly noteworthy, and I cannot wait to see it on the stage at UDT.
Finally, we have a contemporary number choreographed by junior and next semester’s DA President, Myah Yancey. This dance has amazing shapes, texture, and quality of movement. The picturesque choreography is stunning and eye-catching. Yancey has created this piece in honor of her relationship and appreciation for God. The song depicts ‘loving him back’ and the movements are seamlessly connected to the story. Personally, I am not a religious person, yet this dance is absolutely, undeniably stunning, and the song is extremely catchy, getting stuck in my head all the time. I cannot wait to see Yancey’s cast perform the exquisite piece that is Sufficient.
Get involved with odu dance!
If you are interested in getting involved in the Dance Program at ODU, come and join next semester! You can follow ODU Dance on Instagram and the Dance Association. The Dance Program’s opening meeting is always the Tuesday of the first week of classes during activity hour (Aug. 26, 2025), and auditions for UDT are always the following activity hour, on Thursday (Aug. 28, 2025).