Congratulations are in Order!
The School of Dance is pleased to welcome some new faces (and to welcome back some familiar ones!) Congratulations to the following:
Christopher Alloways-Ramsey
Assistant Professor
"I am overjoyed to join the University of Utah School of Dance as a new Assistant Professor. This appointment is the beginning of my academic career and brings my two great loves--teaching ballet and dance research--together at University of Utah's prestigious School of Dance. I feel fortunate to be included in such stellar company as the School of Dance faculty."
Melissa Bobick
Assistant Professor
"I am very excited to begin this new chapter at the School of Dance. Working at the University of Utah for the past three years has been a joy. I have the utmost respect for my colleagues and their work, and I am so proud to be working along-side them. The students at the School of Dance are exceptional, and my time with them is truly rewarding. Each day, they challenge me and help me grow, and I feel lucky to be a part of their experience at the U."
Natalie Desch
Assistant Professor
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the University of Utah’s School of Dance and the legacy of training and research that has made it such a respected entity in the field. It is exciting to be a part of the School's comprehensive vision, not only supporting the creative and scholarly inquiry of its community members, but also championing active engagement for all aspects of learners, be they undergraduate or graduate students or faculty members. The generosity and positive energy shared while visiting the School of Dance was very moving to me. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a remarkable faculty and gratefully look forward to working with the School’s talented young artists as they discover, grow, and create.”
Christopher Larson
Costume Shop Director
“I began my career in dance costuming as a draper at the Marriott Center for Dance. I am enthusiastic about returning to design costumes and manage the costume shop after a decade of expanding my craft at Ballet West and Nevada Ballet Theater. This is a welcome opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new colleagues, and to collaborate with both new and established artists. The Marriott Center for Dance is an amazing facility and I am honored to be part of it.”
Olivia Mason
Costume Shop Technician
“I’m excited to return to the U as member of the costume shop team!” Olivia attended the University of Utah where she received a BFA in Ballet and a Minor in Business. She also received an Associates Degree from Salt Lake Community College in Fashion Design. Olivia founded Olly Designs, her business which specializes in dancewear and costume design while attending the University of Utah. Aside from dancing and managing her own business, Olivia has also designed and constructed costumes for both Musical Theater and Ballet.
Christine McMillan
Visiting Professor
"I am thrilled that I will be returning to the University of Utah's School of Dance. Working with the talented and thoughtful students and seeing them develop their artistry has been incredibly rewarding these past two years. I'm also constantly inspired by my fellow faculty members. I'm looking forward to more explorations into both the humanity and passion within our art form with these amazing people."
We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate Maggie Wright-Tesch who has been promoted to Professor and Mike Wall who has been promoted to Associate Professor. We’re looking forward to an exciting year at the School of Dance!