PCDC ACDA Success
Ally Simon INTERTWINED
PCDC/ACDA Success
Purdue Contemporary Dance Company (PCDC) had much success at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) regional conference this year, achieving high accolades among some of the most prestigious university dance programs. PCDC’s two featured works not only impressed adjudicators but also secured coveted spots in the final Gala Concert, an honor reserved for the most outstanding performances of the conference. Student choreographer Ally Simon’s work, Intertwined, was named an alternate for the national conference in Washington, D.C., a testament to Purdue’s ever-growing reputation in the dance world.
PCDC's Long-standing Legacy
Despite Purdue’s reputation as a STEM powerhouse, dance has quietly thrived on campus since the 1930s. In 2012, the university officially archived the history of modern dance at Purdue, cementing its significance in the campus’ rich artistic landscape. This year marked another milestone as the Dance Program officially merged with the Department of Theatre, forming the newly established Department of Theatre and Dance. Though the two disciplines have coincided for years, this unification further solidifies Purdue’s commitment to the performing arts. PCDC is at the heart of this thriving dance community. As both a student organization and an academic course (DANC 24500: Practicum in Dance Performance and Production), it welcomes Purdue students from all backgrounds. Auditions focus on movement skills and performance qualities such as stage presence, physicality, and the ability to engage with partners or spoken word. Resulting in a dynamic, inclusive company that continuously pushes artistic boundaries.
Each semester, PCDC creates five to eight original dance works, ranging from five to twelve minutes in length. These pieces are choreographed through a deeply collaborative process. Choreographers guide dancers in generating movement, selecting and assembling phrases, and refining each piece into a cohesive artistic statement, ensuring every performance is fresh, innovative, and uniquely expressive. Through DANC 36800: Dance Sound Design, students from performing arts majors to audio engineers develop original soundscapes and compositions for choreographed work in the PCDC concerts. The interplay between movement and sound brings each piece to life, whether through digital compositions or acoustic elements. Lighting designers also contribute their expertise by elevating the visual storytelling of each piece and amplifying the emotional and thematic resonance of the work.
Beyond the stage, PCDC fosters a strong sense of community. The company’s student-led club provides a vital support system, ensuring dancers’ needs are heard, acknowledged, and met. Many students remain involved throughout their college careers, forming deep friendships and finding solace in the company during challenging times.
ACDA Success
Each year, ACDA regional and national conferences offer university dance programs an unparalleled opportunity for growth, exposure, and artistic inspiration. Students take classes taught by faculty from the participating universities, present their work for professional adjudication, and immerse themselves in diverse styles of dance. The ACDA has held a total of 377 Regional Conferences and 17 National College Dance Festivals, serving tens of thousands of dancers since 1973, and for PCDC, the experience has been transformative. Given the presence of impressive programs like the University of Michigan and Ohio State, Purdue’s success at ACDA is particularly noteworthy. PCDC regularly receives glowing feedback from
adjudicators, who range from seasoned professionals in academia, are scholars of dance, and owners of dance companies. This year, the company’s impact was undeniable as both submitted works were chosen for the final Gala Concert, which recognizes the most notable and outstanding pieces of the conference.
Adding to the already impressive successes of the PCDC, student choreographer Ally Simon’s dance, Intertwined, was named an alternate for the national conference in Washington, D.C. The ACDA is known for placing a strong emphasis on the creative process coming through the dances they seek out, something Simon experienced firsthand through both her coursework and her involvement with PCDC. "Creating this piece started with a question: how can the action of tying a knot be embodied through movement?" she stated. To bring this vision to life, she employed improvisation and movement prompts during rehearsals throughout the semester, allowing her dancers to contribute their unique movement styles to the work. "I like to imagine creating a dance work like building a floral bouquet. My dancers each bring me beautiful flowers (that is, pieces of movement), and it is my job to arrange the flowers into a complete bouquet (that is, the final dance)," Simon adds.
This accomplishment places Purdue’s student choreography on a national platform, reinforcing its standing as a formidable force in collegiate dance. The PCDC continues to evolve, making strides in balancing tradition with innovation. Each semester, faculty members contribute new works, students apply to choreograph, and alumni return to share their artistry. This semester’s Guest Alumni Artist, Christy Carr, exemplifies the program’s dedication to maintaining connections with its talented graduates.
As the PCDC leaps forward (both metaphorically and physically), its commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and excellence remains. The company’s recent success at ACDA is more than just an achievement, it’s a statement. Purdue’s dance community is thriving, and the dance world is taking notice.
