The Big Muddy Dance Fest

The best part of the Dance Fest: Reunions!!!!

Maggie Batterman is an alumnus of Dance Wisconsin and they are dancing professionally with . Here is Maggie pictures with the dancers and Artistic Director JoJean Retrum.

We are thrilled to take the stage tomorrow night at the Dance Fest Student Showcase at 6pm at the We love how this event brings the St. Louis dance community together! We hope to see you there!

It's an exciting week for the Modern American Dance Company!

We're welcoming our second guest choreographer of the season, Natalie Williams, and there are two opportunities for you to see MADCO perform!

Catch us this Wednesday at from 4-7 pm. Mingle with a few of your favorite MADCO performers!

Meet the newest dancers of MADCO 2 this Friday, 7:30 pm as they perform at the The Big Muddy Dance Fest! Get your tickets at thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/showcases

Stay tuned this week to meet the members of our first and second company!

Photo: Carly Vanderheyden Photography

LAST CHANCE!!! High school juniors and seniors are invited to audition for 14 visiting university programs at the 2022 Dance Fest Regional University Audition this Sunday, September 18 from 1:30-3:30pm. The audition will consist of ballet and contemporary techniques, followed by a Q&A with university representatives for dancers and their parents from 3:30-4:30pm.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 13 at 11:59pm Late registrations may be accepted as space allows.

Pre-registration is required. Purchase a University Audition Package and submit the Audition Registration Form.
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/universityaudition

2022 AUDITIONING UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS:
• Austin Peay State University
• Brenau University
• Lindenwood University
• Missouri Valley College
• Northern Illinois University
• Principia College
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• University of Kentucky
• Webster University
• West Virginia University
• Western Kentucky University
• Western Michigan University
• Wichita State University

Photo by Carly Vanderheyden Photography

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Reserve your spot for next weekend's Regional University Audition! High school juniors and seniors are invited to audition for 14 visiting university dance programs this Sunday, September 18 from 1:30-3:30pm at The Grandel Grand Hall. The audition will be followed by a Q&A with the university representatives for dancers and their parents from 3:30-4:30pm. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Audition Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 13 at 11:59pm
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/universityaudition

Need-based scholarships are available. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Only 1️⃣ day left for high school juniors and seniors to register for the Dance Fest Regional University Audition! Special shout-out to our sponsors for making this opportunity possible for aspiring dancers in St. Louis. Learn more about the audition and register before tomorrow 9/11 at 11:59pm ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/universityaudition

Dance Fest : Diadie Bathily 🌟

WEST AFRICAN DANCE: Afriky Lolo
Sunday 9/18 from 1:00-2:15pm
Washington Studio, 3305 Washington Blvd

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more:
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/schedule

Dance Fest : Kelly Newell, from St Louis City Fitness🌟

PILATES FOR DANCERS
Sunday 9/18 from 9:00-10:00pm
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more:
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/schedule

Meet Kelly:
Kelly is a STOTT Pilates apprentice and has a background in dance that led her to a professional career for over 10 years. Throughout her career she had the opportunity to travel around the world doing various shows for several companies including Disney and Royal Caribbean. Her passion for dance, including ballet and modern, has allowed her to teach dance and barre classes for over 15 years. She has always had an interest in Pilates and recently decided to expand her knowledge and train through Stott Pilates. She is excited to become certified and continue her Pilates education. She is pleased to have the opportunity to connect with clients and share her knowledge and passion around fitness with others.

Dance Fest : Leonides Arpon 🌟

OPEN CONTEMPORARY
Saturday 9/17 from 9:00-10:15am
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18!
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

Dance Fest : Miranda Payne 🌟

BEGINNING JAZZ
Sunday 9/18 from 2:30-3:45pm
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! 📲
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

About this Class:
Sweat, stretch and strengthen in this upbeat jazz dance class! This class is designed for beginners, but can be enjoyed by dancers of all levels.

Meet Miranda:
Miranda Payne has been a Dancer with The Big Muddy since the company was founded in 2011. Miranda holds a BFA in Dance from Webster University, and she has trained throughout the United States. Miranda has also performed with Stages St. Louis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Variety Theatre and The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, MO. When not dancing herself, Miranda can be found teaching and choreographing throughout the Midwest.

The 2022 Big Muddy Dance Fest is quickly approaching! Purchase your attendee package now to gain access to a full weekend of classes and workshops, September 16-18! Packages range in price from FREE to $125. - https://mailchi.mp/thebigmuddydanceco/dance-fest-2022

The Dance Fest is less than 2 weeks away! Which classes are you most excited for? 👀

Remember, pre-registration is required. Purchase an attendee package ranging in price from FREE to $125! Add-on tickets for one or both Friday Showcases The Grandel, and remember to place your catered lunch box order for Saturday and/or Sunday by 9/11 at 11:59pm.

thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancfest/schedule

Hey, high school juniors and seniors! Less than ONE WEEK to submit your Regional University Dance Audition registration ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/universityaudition

Dance Fest : Cameron Jamarr 🌟

Harmonic Convergence:
In Body - A Meditative Movement Practice
Sunday 9/18 from 10:15-11:30am
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more 📲
thebigmuddydanceco.org/classes

About this Class:
A movement meditation in simplicity, this workshop is an embodied movement journey designed to align and integrate the core essence, intelligence and soul of the artist. Through a variety of movement-based studies focused around Gabrielle Roth’s Method of the 5 Dynamic RhythmsTM, participants will directly encounter the sacred rhythms and exchange of Divine Masculine & Feminine energies embodied in all Creation.

Meet Cameron:
Cameron is a native actor, dancer and director with a BFA in dramatic performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Find more at www.playsiren.com

Dance Fest : De’Ondre Goodley 🌟

HIP HOP
Sunday 9/18 from 4:00-5:15pm
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more 📲
thebigmuddydanceco.org/classes

About this Class:
In this class, dancers will explore groove fundamentals and ideas that will enhance anyone's practice and culminate with a combination.

Meet De’Ondre:
De'Ondre was born and raised in Louisiana where he received his B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received additional intensive training from various institutions. He is currently a member of The Big Muddy Dance Company.

Dance Fest : Sam Gaitsch 🌟

OPEN MODERN
Sunday 9/18 from 4:00-5:15pm
Washington Studio, 3305 Washington Blvd

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more 📲
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

Meet Sam:
Sam Gaitsch is a local freelance visual artist and choreographer. She received her MFA in Dance from Washington University in St. Louis in 2018, as well as her B.A’s in Psychology and Dance, with a minor in Visual Art, magna cm laude from WashU in 2015. She is currently the Dance and Pre-Professional Division Manager, a member of the dance faculty, a rehearsal director, and choreographer at the Center of Creative Arts. She has worked with various local universities and professional dance and theatre companies around STL. She continually enjoys expanding her horizons as a working multidisciplinary artist!

Dance Fest : Ryan Douglass 🌟

MUSICAL THEATER DANCE
Sunday 9/18 from 1:00-2:15pm
Marcelle Studio, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

Dance Fest : Audrey Johnston 🌟

OPEN BALLET
Sunday 9/18 from 9:00-10:15am
Washington Studio, 3305 Washington Blvd

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

About this Class:
Open Ballet will focus on the foundations of ballet technique while considering the mechanics of each student's unique facility. Through thoughtful movement, this class aims to remove some of ballet's stigma, and make it challenging, inclusive, and fun.

Meet Audrey:
Audrey is a choreographer, dancer, and teacher of over fifteen years. Her professional career began with Oklahoma City Ballet, where she performed soloist roles for six seasons in both classical and contemporary works by world-renowned choreographers.

While completing her undergraduate, then working as a scientist, and later completing her MBA, she danced in RACE Dance Collective. After four years, she became Managing Director, where she provided artistic and administrative direction for all productions.

Audrey has had the great opportunity to choreograph on many ballet, modern, and contemporary companies, university dance programs, at regional and national dance festivals, and for short and feature length films. In her new hometown of St. Louis, she hopes to continue producing works, collaborating with fellow artists, and advocating for art as a pillar of cultural strength.

Dance Fest : Marcus Johnson 🌟

OPEN CONTEMPORARY
Sunday 9/18 from 2:30-3:45pm
Washington Studio, 3305 Washington Blvd

Take one class for FREE, or purchase an attendee package to experience an entire weekend of dance, September 16-18! Learn more ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

About this Class:
This experience will be focused on the natural movement and approach to understanding the artistic voice through your own contemporary movement and understanding. We will dive into discovering artistic expression and body understanding through movement and creativity within a positive and welcoming environment.

Meet Marcus:
Marcus Johnson began his dance training at the age of 15 and soon after received a full scholarship to COCA (Center of Creative Arts) in Saint Louis, joining the First Company and the Pre-Professional Program under the direction of Lee Nolting and Alicia Graf-Mack. Marcus has performed pieces by Antony Tudor, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Alicia Graf-Mack, Michael Uthoff, Maurya Ker, Nejla Yatkins, Hanna Brictson, Gina Patterson, Roni Koresh, and Lara Teeter. In the summer of 2011, he performed the Antony Tudor masterpiece Dark Elegies for the Corps De Ballet in Kansas City, Missouri. Marcus trained with the Perry Mansfield School, Kansas City Ballet, “Real World” with Jon Lehrer and Lehrerdance, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Marcus received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Webster University with honors with an emphasis in ballet. After receiving his degree, Marcus danced professionally with the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO). Currently living in Saint Louis, Marcus is a freelance competitive and concert dance choreographer, judges under the Star Dance Alliance, and is an MFA graduate in Dance at Washington University in St.Louis, class of 2020. Currently, Marcus is a freelance choreographer, professor of dance, and educator to the Saint Louis dance community.

We’re officially less than a month away from the 2022 BIG MUDDY DANCE FEST! Purchase your attendee package now for first pick of classes for all levels of teen and adult dancers, happening September 16-18 in Grand Center Arts District!

The 2022 Big Muddy Dance Fest offers classes, workshops, discussions, and performances in three jam-packed days. Plus, high school juniors and seniors are invited to audition for 14 university dance programs at the REGIONAL UNIVERSITY AUDITION!

Based on past festivals, classes are expected to fill up. Register now to guarantee your spot in class ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

Class registration is OPEN NOW for the 2022 Big Muddy Dance Fest. Advanced registration is required, and most classes will reach capacity. Don’t miss this weekend of dance, happening September 16-18!

NEW THIS YEAR: Pre-order a catered box meal for your lunch break on Saturday or Sunday!

Learn more ⬇️
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/packages

2022 Dance Fest attendee packages are ON SALE NOW! Choose your own adventure with packages ranging in price from free to $125. Whether you're looking to dance all weekend, attend live performances, or audition for university dance programs, there's something for everyone at The 4th Annual Big Muddy Dance Fest, happening September 16-18 in Grand Center Arts District!

• Dance and fitness classes and workshops for various levels
• Discussions with the Entertainment Community Fund for dancers and parents of dancers
• Student Showcase featuring The Big Muddy's Elevate Student Project and local studio performing groups
• Dance Fest Showcase featuring The Big Muddy Dance Company Trainees, local professional companies, and visiting university performance ensembles
• Social hour at Sophie's Artist Lounge
• VIP Dance Fest Swag Bag for Level 3 and University Audition Package attendees

Dance Fest classes, workshops, and discussions require pre-registration. Purchase your attendee package and reserve your spot in your preferred classes before they reach capacity!
thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/packages

Attendee packages for the 2022 Big Muddy Dance Fest go on sale this FRIDAY, JULY 1!

Save the date for three full days of dance in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis - September 16-18, 2022
• Classes and Workshops
• Regional University Audition
• Dance Fest Showcase
• Student Showcase
• Conversations with the Entertainment Community Fund
• VIP Attendee Swag Bags
• Catered Lunches
• Networking Opportunities

Tag your friends! Spread the word!

We want to hear from you! Share your experience at the 2021 Dance Fest with this short survey ⭐🌟

Attendee: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PVN3P8C
Instructor/University Rep: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PV289GK

The Big Muddy Dance Fest 2021- Attendee Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Don’t forget to check out our VIRTUAL VENDOR FAIR!
Athletico Physical Therapy
The Dance Bag
St Louis City Fitness
Sports Medicine & Training Center
Carly Vanderheyden Photography
The Actors Fund
The Harkness Center For Dance Injuries
Head to Toe Dancewear
Missouri Dance Organization
SSM Health Physical Therapy
St. Louis Dancewear

https://www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/vendorfair

Vendor Fair — The Big Muddy Dance Company The Big Muddy Dance Fest SEPTEMBER 17-19 MOVE.Classes & WorkshopsUniversity AuditionAttendee PackagesWATCH.Dance Fest ShowcaseScreendance FestStudent ShowcaseMORE.Vendor FairDiscussionsFAQs VENDOR FAIREngage with dance-specific businesses and services in the St. Louis area and from across the...

The 2021 DANCE FEST IS HERE!!! 💃 We can’t wait to see everyone in studio today!

Do you have your tickets for tomorrow night’s back-to-back showcases?! ✨

www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/showcases

See Ballet 314 perform in the Dance Fest Showcase this Friday night!
 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dance-fest-2021-showcase-tickets-159538498945

We spent preparing and fitting our Jewels for The Big Muddy Dance Fest! Check out these tutus and the dancers who wear them in action this Friday at the 7:30pm Showcase.

Tickets:

Do you have your ticket yet?! $10 gives you all access to our inaugural Screendance Fest, happening this weekend as part of The Big Muddy Dance Fest! Buy your ticket now, and stream 20+ dance films submitted by makers from across the country ⬇️
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screendance-fest-2021-tickets-159539479879

WATCH // "Untitled Elegy" is available to watch online during The Big Muddy Dance Company's Screendance Fest (Sep 17-19) starting this Friday! 🎥
Visit www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest
Dancer: Jenna Marie

Dance from home with Dance Fest DIGITAL ✨ featuring talented instructors from across the country teaching classes specifically designed to be taken in small spaces. Teachers include:
Julie Nakagawa, DanceWorks Chicago
Drew Humphrey
Lauren McIntyre, Harkness Center for Dance Injuries
Elena Martins, Robert Moses' Kin Dance Company
Brian Enos, The Big Muddy Dance Company
Autumn Eckman
Marc Macaranas
PLUS, enjoy virtual presentations by The Actors Fund, a panel discussion with St. Louis arts leaders, a virtual dance-specific vendor fair, and online access for the inaugural Screendance Fest! Buy your Dance Fest Digital package today ⬇️
www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest/packages

Watch dance from the comfort of home during The Big Muddy Dance Company’s inaugural ✨SCREENDANCE FEST✨ throughout the 2021 Big Muddy Dance Fest weekend, September 17-19. The Screendance Fest features selected dance films submitted by creators from across the country. Purchase a ticket for an all access pass to the 2021 Screendance Fest!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/159539479879
Swipe to learn more about the selected films ⏩

Watch dance from the comfort of home during The Big Muddy Dance Company’s inaugural ✨SCREENDANCE FEST✨ throughout the 2021 Big Muddy Dance Fest weekend, September 17-19. The Screendance Fest features selected dance films submitted by creators from across the country. Purchase a ticket for an all access pass to the 2021 Screendance Fest!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/159539479879
Swipe to learn more about some of the selected films ⏩

Two weeks to go! Register before it’s too late!

Spots are filling up fast 👀
We’re just 2️⃣ weeks away from The 2021 Big Muddy Dance Fest! Join us online and in-person throughout the Grand Center Arts District for a jam-packed weekend of all things DANCE 💃🕺
www.thebigmuddydanceco.org/dancefest

Featuring:
• Inaugural ✨Screendance Fest✨
• Inaugural ✨Student Showcase✨
• Dance Fest Showcase at The Grandel
• Regional University Audition
• Classes and Workshops
• Digital Dance Fest Track
• Vendor Fair
• Discussions
• Street Performances by La Voûte Performance Ensemble and STL Rhythm Collaborative
• AND MORE!
Photo by Carly Vanderheyden Photography