Clarice Young Dance

When did you begin teaching at UNCG?

Fall 2017

What attracted you to the position? Why this university/program? Describe the moment you knew UNCG/CVPA/School was a great fit for you.

I was attracted to the diversity of the student body and faculty. As a black female artist it was exciting to join a place that held space for me to be me. I knew it was a great fit for me when I felt a connection to the faculty and students during the interview process. I felt at home and in a place where I could teach, create, learn, and dream big.

Favorite course or subject matter to teach and why?

My favorite class right now is Choreography I. In this class they are guided to find their own choreographic voice and create in a way that is unique theirs. It’s where I truly get to see students apply what they’ve been learning throughout all of their dance classes.

What makes UNCG, CVPA or your School special? Why do you think students should choose us?

The School of Dance is truly special because it’s one of the few dance schools where both faculty and student body are diverse in their creative interests, ethnic and cultural background, as well as age. Representation matters and it’s also something new students express that attracted them to the program. There’s knowledge and strength in our differences. You can feel it in the studios and hallways.

Favorite memory at UNCG?

There are so many! At this moment it’s watching former student, Shaylin Watson, perform as a company member of Evidence/A Dance Company, where I was a dancer and rehearsal director for 14 years. It’s such a full circle moment. It’s an honor to know you can impact your students and they do the same for me as well.

Advice for future students who want to be successful?

Believe in yourself, be consistent, and seek critique from people who have your best interests at heart. Remember who you are!

If you were a student in your program now, what would you do differently from your actual undergraduate experience or what might you pursue that you didn’t?

I received a BFA in Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I didn’t have as many choices and variety in selecting courses. It was the same teachers and classes all four years. It made me strong and curious but I do envy the students here. Because there are so many choices and possibilities when it comes to choices in courses, I would probably pursue a BA in Dance and minor in Anthropology and/or Kinesiology.

Most proud career moment or experience:

My most proud experience as dancer has been traveling to Senegal, South Africa and Nigeria in 2010 with Evidence/A Dance Company. Through Dance Motion USA I was able to spend a month performing and learning from the people from those respective countries. It was everything I imagined it to be and more. As a Black American it changed my view on the motherland and shifted the way I thought about myself. It was such an amazing experience that dance gave me access to.

If you have an intriguing research, collaboration or community-based project you want to share about, please do so in this space.

Since 2019 The Clarice Young Project has celebrated Black History Month by showcasing work inspired by black people, which includes students from the School of Dance. This year it was only faculty due to the uncertainty surrounding safety. This upcoming year will be the fourth time I’ve curated the show and I’m looking forward to working in the new Greensboro Project Space again with students this time.