Get to know the Artisitic Director // Joshua Peugh

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Photo taken at ReverbDance Festival in NYC. Photo by Stephanie Crousillat.

 Get to know the Artisitc Director, his inspiration, and where his training started. Introducing Joshua Peugh!  

1. How long have you been dancing for?

I started taking ballet and tap classes when I was three at Michele’s Dance Academy in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

2. Why did you start dancing?

According to my parents, I saw ‘The Nutcracker’ on the television (the version with Gelsey Kirkland and Baryshnikov) and was hooked.  

3. Who or what is your biggest dancing inspiration?

I love the feeling of erasing myself on stage. In performance I learn so much about my relationships and myself with other people. I love the experience of creating a fantasy with the audience and the other dancers. These things are what inspire me to continue creating and dancing.

4. What is your proudest dance achievement so far?

I’ve shared the stage with so many talented and authentic artists and danced so many touching works. It’s really hard to choose a specific moment I’m proud of.  The first full evening performance of DCCD in the USA was a very proud moment.

5. Tell us about your hobbies outside of dance.

I love to swim and read. As a choreographer and director it’s hard to quiet my mind. Swimming allows me to turn down my mind and simply focus on the rhythm of my arms and breathing. I read because I’ve always loved stories; I love to get lost in their fantasies.

Get to know the Dancer // Jennifer Mabus

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DCCD will be performing March 21-23 at the REVERBDance Festival in New York City.  The performance is located at the Baruch’s Nagelberg Theater (55 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10010 // entrance on E. 25th St. between Lexington and 3rd ave.) You can still buy tickets!

 Get to know some of the dancers at DCCD, their inspiration, and where their training started! We would like to introduce Jennifer Mabus!  

1. How long have you been dancing for?

I have been dancing a long time! I actually can’t remember a time of my life without dance. 

2. Why did you start dancing?

I started dancing because I was so shy as a little girl that my mom thought dance lessons would make me more outgoing. Instead, I found my voice in dance. I was hooked from my very first recital in a white tutu. I loved the fantasy and magic. Still do. 

3. Who or what is your biggest dancing inspiration?

Life happening around me- my family, friends, fellow dancers, strangers, beautiful places. The more fully we are human beings, the better artists we will be. 

4. What is your proudest dance achievement so far?

I’ve been lucky in my career but, honestly my proudest achievement is that I’m still growing and being challenged as a performing artist. I get to work with such beautiful people! 

5. Tell us about your hobbies outside of dance. 

Well, I’m currently a grad student and teacher, so I don’t have too much time for hobbies. However, my yoga practice keeps me sane and I’m a little addicted to Argentine tango!

6. Choose one word to describe your dancing techniques.

Spiritual

7. What is your favorite dance quote?

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” –Martha Graham

Get to know the Dancer // Sarah Hammonds

White Day is premiering tomorrow! There is still time to buy tickets to the performance. After the performance tomorrow, there will be a “meet and greet” along with a Q&A. Join us for refreshments and take the chance to get to know some of the dancers at DCCD!

 Get to know some of the dancers, their inspiration, and where their training started in preparation for White Day! The first dancer we would like to introduce is Sarah Hammonds!  

1. How long have you been dancing for?

I began dancing at the age of eight at Ozsoy School of Ballet in Duncanville, TX, where I trained until my senior year in high school. 

2. Why did you start dancing?

I began dancing because I was curious. I would see the Nutcracker every Christmas with my family, and I wanted to try it. Little did I know that I would be earning a degree in dance several years later! 

3. Who or what is your biggest dancing inspiration?

I think my inspiration comes from other artists and dancers. Seeing the ways that different dancer’s interpret movement has always been interesting to me. It offers a way for me to learn from other people. The audience members also serve as inspiration for me. Hearing how dancing affects others is what encourages me to keep growing and maturing throughout my career. 

4. What is your proudest dance achievement so far?

There are several moments that I am very proud of in my career thus far. Earning my Bachelors of Fine Arts this upcoming May is certainly an achievement, but it’s the little things that I find to be most rewarding. My choreography was recently nominated to represent my University in the national choreography festival, American College Dance Festival this March. I am also nominated for an Excellence in Service Award for the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication at my University. 

5. Tell us about your hobbies outside of dance. 

Outside of dance I definitely put family first. I realize they are the reason I am able to do what I love. I also like being heavily involved at my University. I have come to really appreciate Sam Houston State, and I only want to give back. I also teach creative movement classes for the children of Huntsville.