University Laureate Michele Dunleavy leads a prior all-abilities dance workshop.
DALLAS, Pa. — Penn State Wilkes-Barre will host University Laureate Michele Dunleavy for a dance-themed workshop open to the public at no cost on April 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Dunleavy, the 2024-2025 Penn State Laureate and professor of dance in the School of Theatre, will present “Let’s Dance!,” an all-ages, all-ability dance and movement workshop in Room 105 of Hayfield House. The program includes a physical warmup and group improvisation activities and culminates with instruction in a simple choreographed dance.
The Penn State Laureate is an annual faculty honor established in 2008 to bring greater visibility to the arts, the humanities, the honoree’s work and the University. The laureate brings an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. The annual honoree is a full-time faculty member who is assigned half-time to serve as the University Laureate for one academic year. The laureate appears regularly at events throughout Pennsylvania, including visits to Penn State campuses.
Dunleavy, known for her innovative choreography and dedication to inclusive dance education, has been a vital part of Penn State’s acclaimed musical theater program since 2004. Her work spans tap, jazz and modern dance, with performances and choreography that have captivated audiences from Chicago to New York City and beyond. Her contributions to the art form extend into her teaching, where she has seamlessly integrated her professional experiences into the classroom, offering students opportunities to learn from a working artist at the top of her field.
Her commitment to exploring social themes through dance is evident in her collaborative efforts with Krista Wilkinson, distinguished professor of communication sciences and disorders in the College of Health and Human Development, with whom she has developed innovative programs that leverage the performing arts to support communication and social skills in individuals with and without disabilities.
Dunleavy’s tenure as Penn State Laureate focuses on further bridging the gap between the arts and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. Her work with the For Good Troupe, alongside her contributions to disability-affirmative theater and dance, showcases her belief in the transformative power of the arts for individuals of all abilities.
In addition to her creative accomplishments, Dunleavy is a recognized leader in the community, having served as regional director for the American College Dance Association and as a board member for the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society. Her work has received support from numerous arts and education grants, underlining her impact both within and beyond the Penn State community.
American Sign Language interpretation and captioning will be provided for attendees, as well as refreshments. Those who plan to attend the event at Penn State Wilkes-Barre are asked to register online by March 28.
