Beth LaBaren-Root
Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor
DANCE EDUCATOR – CHOREOGRAPHER – ARTS ADMINISTRATOR
2920 Alternate 19, North
Dunedin, Florida 346698
269) 330-9687 / blroot@yahoo.com
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Facebook Page: Beth LaBaren-Root/Dancer
You Tube: Southwestern Michigan College Dance
EDUCATION
MPA / Non-Profit Leadership, Western Michigan University, 2007
BA / Dance, Western Michigan University & Lee Honors College, 1996
AA / Grand Rapids Community College, 1994
Muskegon Community College, Full-Tuition Dance Scholarship, 1983-85
DANCE TRAINING
Gus Giordano Dance Center, Evanston, IL – 1987 – 91
Lou Conte Dance Studio, Chicago, IL – 1990 – 91
Joel Hall Studio, Chicago IL – 1990 – 91
Hope College, Holland, MI – 1989
Nancy Baum, Ballet, Grand Haven MI, 1988-89
Giordano Dance Center, Summer Programs 1987, 1988, 1989
Interlochen Arts Academy,Joseph Holmes Dance Company Residency, 1988
Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Workshops 1987 & 1988
Muskegon Community College, Joe Orlando Jazz Dance Workshop, , 1987
Muskegon Civic Theatre, Musical Theatre Workshop, 1986
Danceworks, Grand Rapids, MI Jazz and Modern, 1988-89
Summerfest School, Grand Rapids, MI – Don Smith, Tap 1987-88
Blue Lake Community School of Arts, Muskegon, MI – Modern 1985-88
Grand Rapids School of Performing Arts – Robert Estner, Ballet/Jazz, 1983
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Rich Rahn, 1980-83
Dance Factory / Ken Tepper Studio, Grand Rapids, MI, 1978-81
Grand Rapids Civic Ballet, Grand Rapids, MI
Sally Seven School of Dance, Grand Rapids, MI
Rita Harris, Ballet, East Grand Rapids, MI
TEACHING / COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY
Southwestern Michigan College
-Director of Dance, Fine & Performing Arts Dept., 2001 to 2012,
-Lead Faculty – Physical Education, 2004 to present
Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 2007, 2008, 2010
Grand Valley State University, Movement to Music, K-12 In-Service Seminars, 2001-03
Western Michigan University, Dance Department, Adjunct Faculty, 1997-99
Kalamazoo College, Adjunct Faculty, Jazz / Modern 1997-2001
Kendall College of Art and Design, Faculty, Discovery Program, 1992-94
TEACHING – PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, STUDIOS
Gus Giordano Dance Center, Dance Center Director/Faculty, Evanston, IL 1989-1991
Grand Rapids Public School District, Teacher In-Service Programs, 2003
Wayland Union School District, K-12 Dance Director 1999 – 2001
Education for the Arts, Artist-in-Residence, Music Theatre Workshop & After-School Arts Programs, 1997-99
Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Faculty – Musical Theatre/Jazz/Tap 1997-2000
Allegan Public Schools & Arts Council, Summer Fine Arts Camp 2000
Moving Company, Faculty, East Grand Rapids, Mi. 1992-94
Kentwood Gymnastics, Dance Consultant, Kentwood MI, 1992-94
West Michigan Academy of Dance, Faculty 1998-99
Blue Lake Community School of the Arts, Faculty – Muskegon, Mi. 1986-89
Southold Dance Theatre, International Summer Intensives, South Bend, IN. 2007-08
VanBuren District Library, Rhythm Dance Workshop, June 2005
Kalamazoo Public Schools, Tap into School, 1997-2001
Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club, Rhythm Dance Residency, 1999
YMCA, Rhythm Dance Residency, Portage, MI 1999
Indian Prairie Elementary School, Music -Dance Residency, Kalamazoo, MI 1999
MAHPERD Conference, Jazz, Traverse City, Mi., 1996
Ballet Arts, Modern Workshop, Kalamazoo, Mi., 1996
Academy of Dance Arts, Jazz and Modern, Kalamazoo, Mi,1996
Master Arts Theatre, Summer Youth Arts Program, Grand Rapids, MI 1994-95
Dance Arts Academy, Jazz, Traverse City, Mi. 1992 & 1995
Step Ahead Dance Company, Jazz, Grand Rapids, Mi., 1993
Northeast School of Dance, Jazz/Modern, Ft. Wayne, Ind., 1991
Golden’s School of Dance, Tap/Jazz, Schaumburg, Il., 1991
The Dance Factory, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Mundelein, Il. 1990 & 1991
Grand Haven Community Theatre, Actors’ Dance Workshops, 1989
Grand Haven Public Schools, SPARK Program, 1987-89
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH & TOUR PROGRAMS
Elementary Dance Tour Programs, Southwestern Dance Ensemble
-Minds in Motion, 2009.
-Dancing on Your Desk, 2007
-Dancin’ Through the Decades, 2003
-Elementary Dance Tour I – 2002
Program design, choreography and instruction of tour program material to college level dance ensemble; performed for 6 area elementary schools with each program. Created and provided supplemental materials for K-6 teachers to supplement tour program and further learning.
Performing Arts Tours – Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-09
Choreography of tour material, instruction and rehearsal for college level dance ensemble; performed annually for 10-12 area high school assemblies during a 5-7 day tour program including SMC Dance, Bands, Choir and Theatre.
TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS – COLLEGE COURSES
DANC 101-Jazz I, DANC 102-Jazz 2, DANC 201-Jazz III
DANC 103-Modern I, DANC 104-Modern II
DANC 105-Tap I, DANC 106-Tap II, DANC 205-Tap III
DANC 107-Ballet I, DANC 108- Ballet II
DANC 130-Dance Improvisation
DANC 211-Choregraphy
DANC 120 – Dance for Musical Theatre
DANC 121-Dance Ensemble
THEA 110-Theatre Appreciation
THEA 130 – Voice and Movement for Actors
DANC 110- Dance Appreciation
DANC 150-Dance Special Projects
DANC 290-Creative Dance Concepts
DANC 291-Teaching Methods in Dance
DANC 295-Dance Career Seminar
ART 148-Direct Encounter with the Arts
PHED 103-Life Fitness/Dance
PHED 103-Life Fitness/Sportwalking
ARTS ADMINISTRATION / ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGMENT
Organizational management experience includes program development, implementation, budgeting, promotion, and faculty/staff supervision.
Founder, Michiana Dance Alliance, 2005 to 2012
Dance Education Coordinator, Education for the Arts, KRESA 1996-98
Residency Coordinator, DANCE KALAMAZOO Residency with Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Kalamazoo Public Schools, 1998
Business Manager, Kalamazoo Bach Festival, 1997-88
Program Coordinator, Hillside Dance Project 1997, Education for the Arts
Dance Coordinator, Kendall College of Art and Design, Continuing Education, Grand Rapids, MI, 1992-94
Housing Coordinator, Jazz Dance World Congress, 1990-99
Dance Center Director, Gus Giordano Dance Center, Evanston, IL, 1990-91
Owner/Director, Center Stage Dance & Fitness, Grand Haven, Mi., 1987-89
Dance Director, Superior Gymnastics and Dance, Grand Haven, Mi., 1986-87
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONFERENCES
Presenter, Faculty Collaborations Across the Curriculum. National Dance Educators’ Organization, Minneapolis, MN 2011
Presenter, Faculty Collaborations Across the Curriculum and VOICES: Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary. Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, San Diego Ca, 2011
Presenter, Interdisciplinary Projects: Language Arts and Dance, Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, New York City, NY 2003
Presenter, MAHPERD, Annual Conference Jazz Technique Workshop, 1997
MAHPERD, Annual Conference, 2000, 2002
Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, Baltimore, MA 2010
National Dance Educators’ Organization, Tempe, AZ 2010
Brenda Buffalino – One on One, Professional Mentoring Residency, New York – 2000
ADF – Workshop for Professionals, American Dance Festival, Duke University 1999
Tappin in the Twin Cities, Tap/Percussive Dance Conference 1999
“Approaching the Millenium” – Seminars in Arts Management, Western Michigan University, 1996
Jazz Dance World Congress, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999
Michigan Dance Teacher’s Conference, Interlochen Arts Academy, 1988
Small Business Development Center: Muskegon Community College, 1986-87
-How to Open a Small Business in Michigan
-Small Business Management
-Advertising for Small Business
-Taxes and Bookkeeping
GRANT WRITING AND AWARDS
Authored and awarded the following grants to support my independent work as well as for the arts organizations listed.
Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant, Independent Artist, 1999
Education for the Arts Professional Development Grant, Independent Artist 1999 – 2001
Arts Outreach Grant, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Independent Artist 1999
Pharmacia & Upjohn Community Arts Grant, Independent Artist, 1999
PTO Grant, Indian Prairie Elementary School, Independent Artist, 1999
Lee Honors College Study Grant, 1994-1996
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Arts and Learning Grant, written for Education for the Arts 1997/98
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Arts and Learning Grant, written for Kalamazoo Bach Festival, 1998/99
PRODUCTION / DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Responsibilities included all aspects of production, choreography, rehearsals, costuming, promotion, collaborations with technical directors.
Fall Concerts of Dance, Southwestern Michigan College, 2002 to present
Spring Concerts of Dance, Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-present
Dance Café, Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-present
That’s Entertainment, Wayland High School, 2001
Welcome to the Future, Wayland High School, Fall Concert of Dance 2000
Planet Dance, Wayland High School, 2000
Rhythm and Shoes, Tap Concert 2000
Soviets Meet Middle America, Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, 1990
Dance Showcase, Center Stage Productions, 1988
Act I, Center Stage Productions, 1987
CONCERT CHOREOGRAPHY
A partial list of notable concert works 1984 to present -various dance genres. Produced at Southwestern Michigan College unless otherwise noted. Recital choreography for dance classes is not included.
CONTINUUM – 2012
UNA DIA LLEGARA – 2011, restaged for 7 dancers.
TURKISH DELIGHT – 2011
IDENTITIES: A SEARCH FOR SELF, Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary, 2011
VOICES – Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary, 2010
BRAINSTORM – 2010 / Interdisciplinary- physics/dance
ELEMENTS – 2010 / Interdisciplinary – visual art/dance
VERVE FOR VIOLINS – 2009
CARNIVAL – 2008
SYMBALI – 2009
QUEEN AND COURT – 2008
FRISKY BUSINESS – 2008
HA! – 2007, Southold Summer Intensive Concert, South Bend, IL
NUEVO LATINO – 2007
UNA DIA LLEGARA – 2007
LIVES IN THE BALANCE – 2006
ORBS – 2005, Michigan Dance Council Showcase Concert, Hope College, Holland, MI
PICK YOUR SEAT – 2005
THE EDMUND REMEMBERED: A Michigan Maritime Memorial, 2005
OF MANY ONE – 2004
BECAUSE – 2004 Interdisciplinary / Language arts & dance
INCANTATION – 2003
HITTIN’ THE BOARDS – 2003
OCEANIC – 2003
FUSION – 2002
ODE TO RIVERDANCE – 2001
DESERT ROSE – 2000
BROADWAY REVUE – 2000
NIGHT TERRORS – 1998 – Wellspring Forum, Kalamazoo MI, Premiere.
PASSAGE – 1998, Kalamazoo College Dance Showcase, Premiere Dec. 5, .
WIDOWS’ WALK – 1996, Michigan Dance Council Showcase, Lansing, MI
UMOJA – 1995
-Western Michigan University, Dance Department, Faculty Concert, 1995
-Jazz Dance World Congress, Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington D.C., 1996
STACCATO SI – 1989
-Overbrook Dance Theatre Concert, Muskegon Comm. College
CURLEY SHUFFLE – 1988 -Mayfest, Muskegon Community College, 1988
BANDSTAND – 1988 -Overbrook Dance Theatre Concert, Muskegon Comm. College
WEIRD SCIENCE – 1987 – Mayfest, Muskegon Comm. College, 1987
MOVING FAST FORWARD – 1986 – Overbrook Dance Theatre, Muskegon Community College
MUSICAL THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHY
Anything Goes, Southwestern Michigan College, 2009
West Side Story, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2007
Grease, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2006
Little Shop of Horrors, Southwestern Michigan College, June 2005
Annie Get your Gun, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2005
Anne of Green Gables, Southwestern Michgan College, June 2004
Music Man, Southwestern Michgan College, June 2003
Blood Brothers, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2002
Oliver!, Gull Lake Community Schools, Performing Arts Center 1999
The Velveteen Rabbit, Kalamazoo Civic Youth Theatre 1999
Oliver!, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1998
Wizard of Oz, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1998
Grease, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1997
The Sound of Music, Blue Lake Professional Theatre Festival, 1990
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Muskegon Civic Theatre
Guys and Dolls, Grand Haven Public Schools, 1990
Nickolodean Song and Dance Review, Tri-Cities Children’s Chorus, 1990
Brigadoon, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1990
Kiss Me Kate, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1989
Miss Liberty, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1988
CHOREOGRAPHY COMMISSIONS
Saint Mary’s College, new work in progress, 2012
Saint Marys’ College, Notre Dame, IN – Of Many One, 2005, The Edmund Remembered, 2007 , Pick Your Seat, 2009
Encore Dance Companry, Dowagiac, MI – Pick Your Seat, 2010
Frelon Dance Company, Kalamazoo College, Umoja, 1989
Ballet Theatre, Kalamazoo College, Tableau Premiere: May 23, 1998
Kalamazoo Valley Intermediate School District, Education for the Arts/ Dance Exploration Program – Gatherings, Premiere: April 16, 1996
Montage Dance Company, Otsego MI., Gatherings re-staged 1997
Northeast School of Dance Team, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Twilights 1990
Muskegon Seaway Pageant, Muskegon MI, Jump Shout Boogie,1990, Maelstrom,1989
Teen USA Pageant, Orlando Florida, Step by Step, 1989
PERFORMANCE
Michiana Dance Alliance – founding company member 2005- present
Second Wind Dance Company, “Sierra” with Marcia Heinztberger, Nov 2004
Guest Artist, Ballet Theatre Kalamazoo College, December 1998
Michigan Dance Council Showcase Concert, 1996
Western Michigan University, Orchesis Concert, 1996
Western Michigan University, Annual Concert, 1995, It’s Your Move” by Claire Bataille, Hubbard Street Dance Company
Grand Rapids Transit Authority Commercial 1994
Danskin Industrial Shows, Grand Rapids 1992
MC Sporting Goods Industrial Shows, Grand Rapids 1992
Adidas Shoes Industrial Shows, Chicago, 1990
Vandenburg Foods Industrial Shows, Chicago 1990
TAP: A Tribute to Movement with Special Guest, Honi Coles, 1989
Muskegon Community College, Overbrook Dance Theater Concert 1989
Greater Grand Rapids Dance Alliance, Fall Showcase, 1989
Westshore Christian Fellowship, Muskegon Mi. 1989
Danceworks Concert Dancers, Grand Rapids MI, 1988-89
Muskegon Community College, Repertory Dance Tour Company 1985-86
Muskegon Community College, Overbrook Dance Theater Concert 1986
HONORS
1996 Jazz Dance World Congress, “Umoja” selected by adjudication for Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C.
1995 Annual Faculty Concert, Western Mich. “Umoja” selected by adjudication as only student work presented.
Western Michigan University, Distinguished Community College Scholar, 1994-96
Dorothy U. Dalton Exceptional Dance Major, Western Michigan University Dance Department, 1995
Member, Alpha of Michigan Honor Society, 1994-1998
Dean’s List, Grand Rapids Community College 1992-94
Lotte Rachel Peters Arts and Humanities Awards, Grand Rapids Community College, 1992 – 94
Member, Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 1992-94
Muskegon Community College, Full Tuition Dance Scholarship 1985/86
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
National Dance Educators Organization – current
Michigan Dance Council – current
Partners in Dance, Western Michigan University – current
Michigan Dance Council – Regional Representative 1996-99
Michigan Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
Grand Rapids Dance Alliance, Workshop Committee Chair, 1989-1995
Michigan Dance Association, 1985-88
Muskegon Community College, Small Business Dev. Center, Advisory Board Member, 1987-89