Faculty Concert 2025

UW-Madison Dance Department Presents Faculty Concert 2025, Featuring Guest Artist Holly Johnston

MADISON, WI  – The University of Wisconsin–Madison Dance Department will present Faculty Concert 2025, November 20–22, 2025, in the Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue, Madison, WI. This year’s concert will feature faculty artists Omari Carter, Bradford Chin, Kate Corby, Li Chiao-Ping and Chris Walker, and work from guest artist Holly Johnston.

About the Works
Omari Carter’s “AFON 11/RIVER 11” is an installation, site-responsive work created in collaboration with Maynard Abercych CIC and the local community of Abercych, Wales. Two looping videos feature body percussionist Jon Rodd performing in response to a river’s ebb and flow.

Bradford Chin, the newest member of the faculty, presents “POMPOUS,” a new collaborative work that reflects on the historical cycles of kings and rulers set to a trio of Handel selections.

Li Chiao-Ping presents “Wabi Sabi,” a work for eight dancers that invites audiences to embrace the beauty of flaws and the grace of impermanence. The piece features an expressive movement vocabulary, and Li’s signature choreographic athleticism and physicality.

Kate Corby’s new collaborative piece for eight dancers explores the landscapes of girlhood in the United States. The work features an original score by composer and Mead Witter School of Music alumna Emili Earhart.

Chris Walker will present a new ensemble work for eight dancers that reflects on shared growth and explores how we elevate one another.

Guest artist Holly Johnston, an award-winning performer, choreographer, and former artistic director of the national touring company LEDGES AND BONES, joins the department for three weeks in residence, November 3-21 to teach master classes and set work on twelve student dancers. Johnston is the creator and director of RESPONSIVE BODY, a social movement and body liberation practice that expands the arts and sciences of loving and being.

Talk Back and Reception
A talkback with the artists will take place immediately following Thursday’s performance. A reception will follow Friday evening’s performance in the Virginia Harrison Parlor of Lathrop Hall.

Acknowledgements
This concert is presented and produced by the Dance Department. Holly Johnston’s residency was made possible with the generous support of the Anonymous Fund.

About Holly Johnston
Holly Johnston is an award-winning performer, choreographer, and educator. She is the creator and director of RESPONSIVE BODY, a social movement and body liberation practice, and the former artistic director and choreographer of the national touring company LEDGES AND BONES. Her work has been supported by the Zellerbach Family Foundation, Joyce A.W.A.R.D.S! Finalist Grant, SCUBA National Touring Network, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, NEFA/NDP Production Finalist Grant, National Performance Network, and a MANCC Choreographic Fellowship, among others. She has taught at numerous institutions, including Loyola Marymount University, CalArts, Cal State Long Beach, Chapman University, Pomona College, and the University of California, San Diego, where she currently teaches.  Johnston holds a B.A. in Dance from Loyola Marymount University and an M.F.A. in Choreography from Jacksonville University.