Students taking dance classes at Washington State University have a little extra spring in their steps this semester with the installation of a solid, sprung-wood floor designed especially for dancing.
Until now, dancers shared the Wadleigh Theatre stage, which created a logistical nightmare with acting, costuming and lighting classes also needing the space. In addition, the stage floor is ill-suited for a leap, arabesque or plié because it’s a hard, imperfect surface.
The new floor became a reality in Daggy 1A this summer. The $29,000 price tag was funded by a Minor Capital Improvement Grant (MCI), private donations including a gift from Washington State Regent Kenneth Alhadeff, and fund raisers. Still needed to complete the studio are dance barres and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
Dance Instructor Phyllis Gooden-Young refers to the dangers of dancing on hard surfaces when she says, “Our goal is to still be able to walk upright when we’re older.” Gooden-Young is the only professional instructor at the university and offers classes in the School of Music and Theatre Arts in the College of Liberal Arts.
Students of Gooden-Young perform recitals every semester to sold-out audiences. The next recital is December 4th in Jones Theatre, Daggy Hall.
