Faculty News Archives | College of Performing Arts Archive

CoPA Alumna Kavita Rao’s Multifaceted Career in the Arts Dancer, choreographer, educator, and entrepreneur, Kavita Rao credits Chapman’s community and curriculum for helping her navigate the ever-changing arts industry.

October 21, 2025 by Zoe Braggs | CoPA News

Alumna Kavita Rao (‘05) studied Dance and Communications with a PR emphasis and continues to use the skills she learned at Chapman University in her career as a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, artistic director, and business owner today. Kavita has experienced many professional evolutions throughout her career. After graduating from Chapman in 2005, she used

College of Performing Arts Welcomes New Faculty

August 22, 2022 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

Dean Giulio Ongaro of the College of Performing Arts has announced the addition of several new faculty this semester. “We are very excited to introduce an exceptional group of new faculty of distinction,” he said. “Headed by the internationally renowned choreographer Dwight Rhoden, who joins us just as we are opening the new spectacular Sandi

Dwight Rhoden to Join Chapman Dance Faculty in Fall ’22

December 6, 2021 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

An audible gasp rose from the audience and dancers on stage Saturday night when Dean Giulio Ongaro made a special announcement at the conclusion of the Fall Dance Concert on December 4, 2021, in Musco Center for the Arts. The surprise news, that renowned choreographer and dancer Dwight Rhoden would join the Department of Dance

College of Performing Arts appoints new Department of Dance chair Julianne O'Brien Pedersen starts new role fall semester 2016

April 26, 2016 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts announced the appointment of Julianne O’Brien Pedersen as the new chairperson for the Department of Dance, effective with the 2016-17 academic year. She replaces Professor Nancy Dickson-Lewis who recently announced her retirement from the University. O’Brien Pedersen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Connecticut College,

Department of Dance chair Nancy Dickson-Lewis announces retirement

April 11, 2016 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

Beloved Chapman University Department of Dance Chair and Professor, Nancy Dickson-Lewis has announced she will retire at the end of the spring 2016 semester, bringing to a close a rich career spanning more than three decades of dance, choreography, and teaching and influencing the lives and craft of thousands of dancers. Professor Dickson-Lewis began teaching at

Promotions announced for Dance and Music faculty

March 31, 2016 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

The College of Performing Arts is proud to announce promotions for the following faculty members, effective with the 2016-2017 academic year: Department of Dance Robin Kish – Awarded Tenure and Promoted to Associate Professor of Dance Professor Kish has taught at California State University Fullerton, University of California Irvine, Riverside Community College, and Citrus Community College.

Dance ensemble invited to perform at iconic Joyce Theater

February 11, 2015 by Jean Taber | CoPA News

Two Chapman dance faculty members will travel with a select student ensemble to perform at an iconic dance venue this weekend in New York City. Dean Dale A. Merrill was invited to bring a student ensemble to perform in the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation’s (NYCDAF) annual dance concert benefit ” Destiny

Backhausdance 2014 Summer Intensives connect dancers with Chapman alumni, faculty

June 6, 2014 by Peter Westenhofer | CoPA News

Backhausdance returns to the Chapman University campus this July/August for the 2014 Summer Intensives. In addition to the annual one or two-week Advanced/Professional Program , geared toward dancers ages 16 to 24, we will offer a new four-day Pre-Professional Program geared toward younger dancers (ages 12 to 15). Once again, all programs will be housed in

Dance Tour Ensemble Attend Criss Angel Dress Rehearsal

February 7, 2014 by Heather | CoPA News

Alicia Guy, associate professor of dance, Don Guy, assistant professor of entertainment technology, Chancellor Daniele Struppa and Dr. Lisa Sparks, director of the health and strategic communication program, along with their daughters, and our dance touring ensemble were invited by Criss Angel to attend a closed dress rehearsal of his new show Magic Jam soon to