San Jac music and dance programs collaborate with international artists for 'Dancing on Steel'
With vibrant costumes, color-changing backdrops, syncopated rhythms, and infectious melodies, San Jacinto College's music and dance departments collaborated for a unique concert — "Dancing on Steel" — last spring. The performances were held at the Central Campus Slocomb Auditorium and the historic Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
"The steel band and I were thrilled to collaborate with our guest artists and the dance program to stage the world and Houston premiere of 'Dancing on Steel,'" said Michael Mizma, music instructor. "I have wanted to collaborate like this for many years, and I'm so excited we finally made it happen."
"Dancing on Steel" featured a suite of six steel band pieces inspired by dance movements and the rich cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting the influence of its multiethnic and multicultural heritage and featuring choreographed dance. Students from Mizma's steel band performed for the second year at Miller as a part of their performance grant program. This was the program's first time to partner with dance instructors Jamie Williams and Jennifer Salter from San Jacinto College's South Campus and their students.
"Our dance program was thrilled about this collaboration. It opened so many opportunities for our dancers that they otherwise might not have," Williams said. "For this project, not only did they learn traditional Trinbagonian dance from an international artist, but they also got the chance to perform live music on a huge outdoor stage. Every Houston dancer should have the chance to perform at Miller at least once. We were so fortunate to have given them this experience."
The concert was made possible in part by a Student Success Initiative Grant from the San Jacinto College Foundation. This grant allowed pan soloist and composer Jeannine Remy and choreographer Joanna Charles, both based in Trinidad and Tobago, to spend three days in Houston rehearsing and preparing students for the world premiere.
It was a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to these truly unique artists and their performing and directing expertise. It truly takes a village to be successful. Without grant and concert support, we could not host shows, participate in collaborations, or invite such high-quality guest artists to our institution. I consider our entire music department, supportive administration, and the San Jacinto College Foundation part of this great village.
