Producing Dance: A Collaborative Art

Robin Kish, MS, MFA, is an associate professor of dance at Chapman University in Orange, California, and has over 20 years experience in dance kinesiology. She earned a master of science degree in kinesiology and a master of fine arts degree in dance, allowing her to combine the fields of dance and science in her research and teaching. She mentors student choreography projects and co-teaches the Chapman University dance department’s senior seminar course. She has coauthored The Embodied Dancer: A Guide to Optimal Performance and the second edition of Dancing Longer, Dancing Stronger. Robin has created unique educational content for the National Dance Education Organization’s Online Professional Development Institute and the Performing Arts Medicine Association. She has been asked to contribute to 4Dancers.org, Safe in Dance International, Bridge Dance Project, and CLI. A former modern dancer and a product of the private studio and competition environment, she is passionate about bringing dancer wellness and safe teaching practices to the industry.

Wilson Mendieta, MFA, is an assistant professor of dance at Chapman University with a diverse background in theatre, dance, musical theatre, film, and television. Prior to arriving at Chapman, he served as director of the musical theater program at the University of Washington, where he also earned a master of fine arts degree in dance and a nonprofit management certificate from the Evans School of Public Affairs. A bachelor’s degree in acting with a minor in dance from Montclair State University prepared Wilson for work in television and radio commercials, concert dance companies, and Broadway and off-Broadway musicals. His choreographic work has been seen throughout the United States, including at the Kennedy Center, and he has been invited to festivals in Venezuela, Colombia, and Australia. He has been invited to present at several international conferences on the topic of sustained careers for performing arts students. Wilson has served as a panelist for several arts funding organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jennifer Backhaus, MFA, is founder and artistic director of Backhausdance, Orange County’s award-winning contemporary dance company. In addition to being the energetic and creative force spearheading the development and growth of Backhausdance, she is a full-time dance faculty member at Chapman University. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and dance from Chapman University and received her master of fine arts degree in choreography from Hollins University. From the inception of Backhausdance in 2003, Jennifer has been committed to choreographing and producing contemporary concert dance with a professional company while simultaneously designing and implementing an extensive dance education and performance program for all ages. She created and now teaches the dance production course at Chapman University. As an award-winning and in-demand choreographer, Jennifer’s works have been presented by Musco Center for the Arts, Brigham Young University, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, McCallum Theatre, Los Angeles Ballet, Old Town Temecula Theatre, and The Joyce Theatre.
Marc Jordan Ameel, MAED, is a technical producer for global corporate events. He has worked extensively as a performing arts production manager and technical director, having experience in professional, academic, and nonprofit organizations. He holds a master’s degree in adult education and distance learning from the University of Phoenix, a California teaching credential with an emphasis in educational technology, and a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Arizona State University.

Marc Jordan Ameel, MAED, is a technical producer for global corporate events. He has worked extensively as a performing arts production manager and technical director, having experience in professional, academic, and nonprofit organizations. He holds a master’s degree in adult education and distance learning from the University of Phoenix, a California teaching credential with an emphasis in educational technology, and a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Arizona State University.

Samantha Waugh, BFA, is a professional dance artist and educator located in southern California. Originally from Austin, Texas, she received her bachelor’s degree in dance performance from Chapman University in 2018. Passionate about arts education, Sammi has taught and created curriculum for private studios, community centers, and elementary schools across southern California. As a professional dancer, Sammi performs with Orange County’s Backhausdance, both on the stage and in schools through their educational outreach programs. She has performed in many project-based festivals around the Los Angeles area and has presented her own choreographic and movement research works. In addition to assisting with the development of Backhausdance’s education programs, she currently serves as director of the early childhood music and dance program at OC Music and Dance in Irvine, California.

Kerri Canedy, MFA, is a visiting assistant professor in the department of theatre and dance at the State University of New York at Potsdam. She holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from California State University at Fullerton and a master of fine arts degree in dance from Smith College. She has danced, choreographed, and taught dance professionally all across the country. She has been the artistic director and production manager of 20 large-scale dance concerts and has been choreographer and assistant director for numerous theater and opera productions.

Todd Canedy, MFA, is an associate professor of design for the theatre and dance department at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Canedy previously taught and directed at Bowling Green State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on technical theatre from Chapman University and a master of fine arts degree in scenic design from California State University at Fullerton. He has worked all over the country in the theatre and dance industry. He has been working in theatre professionally for more than 30 years. While his main focus is set design, his artistic talents also include costume design, technical direction, lighting design, makeup, and scenic painting.