Susan Schneider
I am often asked why I have started Upstate Dance & Arts Center and what I hope to accomplish through such an endeavor. For this reason, I have posted UDAC's mission statement on our home page for all to see. I also know that to understand the our many projects, many people find it helpful to know the background from which the motivation sprang. Long story short: it's for the kids - it's to educate them, keep them motivated, and to show them that their dancing aspirations are very possible. I hope that knowing my mission and background will help parents - and students - understand the motivations behind UDAC...
While I was studying dance through grade school, I always wanted to go down to New York City to take lessons at places like STEPS and Broadway Dance Center. However, my family did not have the time or the money to do so. While looking for colleges, I was hoping to go to an arts school or a university with an extensive dance program. I auditioned by video for admission to some very prestigious programs (I could not attend auditions due to time and money constraints). Unfortunately, although accepted to multiple schools, I had to face financial reality. I spent some time in different areas of the country taking college courses at state schools and broadening my own dance education. I made the most of what I thought would be a disappointment. I soon realized how much I really missed out on by not being able to take advantage of different instructors and disciplines throughout my primary training, and began to appreciate the opportunities I did have at that point. I took classes anywhere and everywhere I could.
When I returned to the Binghamton area, I became involved in projects aimed toward revitalization, arts, and education as much as possible. There are many people involved in the arts in this area and I wanted to help. I started with dance because that is where my love for the arts began. I wanted to help as many students as possible, so I used studios with open classes (like STEPS and BDC) as a model for an arts center where all students can participate.
Most of UDAC's projects are for the many performing arts students in this area whose families also do not have the time or money to take trips to places like New York City. The intensives and workshops that we offer are meant to expand students’ horizons and to let them see what they can do with dance, as well as other art forms, in the future. For example, at each season intensive, I make sure to include a question and answer session so students (and sometimes parents) can ask professionals how they have gotten where they are, what they’ve gone through to get there, and what to expect if they plan to make dance a career. This is to inform students and hopefully allow them to see that, although it is hard work, it is possible to do what you love and get paid for it. Also, for older students, this may just be the foot in the door that they need if they plan on continuing dance past high school.
I believe all students should be given the best opportunities possible, and by inviting artists in from across the nation, I hope to offer all interested students the opportunity to study a diverse palette of disciplines.
Susan Schneider has been dancing for 20 years. She began in Binghamton under the direction of Miss Kelly O'Shea and continued with Miss Rita Pilotti. She has also studied under Mr. Brian Burke (currently of Las Vegas with Celine Dion's 'Vegas Show', previously of Tap Dogs and Fame in NYC) and Miss Danita Salamida (previously of Fame: European Tour, American Tour, and Broadway and Hot Feet in NYC). Throughout her training, she earned numerous awards including Miss Acrobat of New York State, 1st Runner Up Miss Acrobat of the United States, and was a runner up for International Queen of Dance.
She continued her studies in Potsdam, NY where she received her official training in Modern with Miss Nola Rocco. After taking numerous classes, performing in many shows, and directing for the State University of New York at Potsdam, Susie traveled to Austin, TX where she was hired to teach at a well established studio in the area. When she had completed her studies in Texas, she returned to the Binghamton area to attend Binghamton University. While finishing her Bachelor's degree, she was heavily involved with many performances by directing, producing, and dancing in several shows. She continued to teach dance throughout at a local studio. She also coached Binghamton University's Dance Team, and worked extensively with the Cheer Team and Kickline, of the well known Spirit Squad.
She has completed coursework in the Care & Prevention of Athletic
Injuries and is certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid. She has also taken classes in Dance Improvisation,
Choreography, Kinesiology, Technical Production, Stage Lighting, and Musical
Instrument Digital Interface, along with dance classes, at a collegiate level.
She has been active in the Binghamton Revitalization Projects and was a
part of the first graduating class of Catalysts for Intellectual Capital:
Leadership Initiative. She played a vital role in bringing Broadway
Connect to the Binghamton area and hopes to continue her connections with the
program in the future. She has also been heavily involved in Children's
Dance Theatre, coordinated by Rhae Ann Hawkes, and has performed and
choreographed for the organization many times. An abbreviated list of her
performances and productions are listed below.
~ Performer in Da Blues, Faculty Dance Concert - Visiting Artist
~ Performer in To Hell and Back: The Five Incarnations of Hell, Senior Dance Concert - Original score by Brian Vlasak
~ Produced and Choreographed A Play Through Dance - Semi-formal Dance Concert
~ Produced and Choreographed Wish - a Formal Dance Concert for the Anderson Center's Chamber Hall
~ Choreographed Hailstones & Halibut Bones: Adventures in Color - Children's Dance Theatre
