TAMIU Dance Students Invited to Perform at Conference

Eight Texas A&M International University dance students (photo) are preparing to perform for approximately 4,000 educators at the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Corpus Christi Nov. 30 - Dec. 1.

"The University's classical Spanish ballet has presented annually for the past eight years in the Dance Division's Kaleidoscope Concert and Dance on the Spot performances. In the past two years, the group performed during the opening night performances. They were also one of three featured groups for General Assembly two years ago. Their performances parallel presenting a paper at a conference," explained Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance and vice president of the Dance Division for the TAHPERD.

The students have been preparing the entire semester for the performance, in addition to their normal class time, they rehearsed an additional two to six hours weekly to prepare, added Leyendecker.

The students who have been selected to perform are: Verónica Cabriales, Alejandra Dávalos, Brigette Garay, Laura Garza, Samantha Garza, Selina Martinez, Corina Ojeda and Laura Sánchez.

This is the eighth year TAMIU dance students have been invited to perform.

"The University and our community are highly visible to all participants in the convention over the course of four days. This association serves as a strong advocate and liaison for dance and it is an honor for them to have selected to perform once again this year," said Leyendecker.

For more information about dance at TAMIU, please contact Leyendecker at 326.2625, e-mail bleyendecker@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, room 115.

Registration for Spring Semester 2006 is currently underway online at tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu