Shifting Rhythms of Generosity: A Reflection on Alcine Joseph Wiltz III
This presentation is primarily a reminder that unsung mentors should be celebrated. My current research aims to do this by focusing on a highly respected artist educator, choreographer, administrator, choreographic director, and beloved teacher: Alcine Joseph Wiltz III. The origins of his artistic rhythms literally and metaphorically weave throughout his professional and personal life. After 3 years and 5 months of ethnographic interviews and testimonials, I present to you an introduction to his life, work, and legacy. Alcine is most proud of his higher education work at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (1968-1983) and his Co-Founding and Co-Artistic direction of Mid-America Dance Company (MADCO) in St Louis, Missouri (1976-1983). Notwithstanding, most of the dance world knows Alcine as the teaching artist and chairperson of the Department of Dance at the University of Maryland College Park (1983-2008). While there, he worked for nine years on the UMCP Performing Arts Building Planning Committee, which created a beautiful facility now enjoyed by so many in the area. After serving on many regional and national boards around the country, Alcine received the 1997 Lifetime Achievement award at the Great Lakes Regional Festival for the American College Dance Festival Association, and in 2000 they dedicated the 9th National College Festival of the American College Dance Festival Association to Alcine Wiltz. He enjoys semi-retirement with his beloved wife Nancy, two children, Michelle and Stefan, and five amazing grandchildren. Also dear to him are the memories of 39 years he spent each spring break (and birthdays) in New Martinsville, West Virginia.
The presentation will take place on Friday, May 12 in Center for the Arts, room 2032 from 3:00-3:40 pm.
