The San Jacinto College South Campus dance program is attending the American College Dance Association’s (ACDA) South-Central Regional Conference beginning March 18 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

According to the organization’s website, ACDA offers master classes, presentations, adjudication and informal concerts, feedback sessions, a Gala concert, as well as celebrated guest artists. The theme for this year’s festival is wide-open spaces.

Jamie Williams, the dance program coordinator for South campus, is working with the students in an effort to prepare them for the conference.

“Our performers have worked really hard, and I am looking forward to seeing them have their moments to shine, to represent themselves, and to represent San Jac,” Williams said.

The dance students will perform two works at the conference; a solo entitled “Here, After” featuring Bethany Garcia, and “Catching Shadows, Saving Three,” a trio performed by Tuesday Boswell, Cindy Gil, and Brielle Hudson.

Bethany Garcia said ACDA provides an environment for students and faculty to share work and grow as dancers through the wide range of available development opportunities.

“I want to take away self-improvement by all the master classes, concerts, and workshops ACDA has to offer,” Garcia said. “I am extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to be a part of ACDA this year, and I cannot wait to have four days of pure dancing, learning, and getting to know other fellow dancers.”

Meanwhile, workshops taught by college instructors from attending schools, as well as special guests, help students perfect their technique and enhance their understanding of dance.

“The classes are always fantastic. Our students always return from the festival exhausted but simultaneously inspired,” Williams said.

Additionally, Williams said she hopes the students gain valuable knowledge and a greater affection for their art form.

“I really just want them to have a blast,” Williams said, “and to come away from the experience loving and understanding dance that much more.”

The American College Dance Association’s South-Central Regional Conference will be held March 18-21 in the Creative Movement Studio, Student Union Building, and the Maedgen Theatre on Texas Tech’s campus in Lubbock, Texas.