Theatre and Dance

Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence

Explore This Section

Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence

Bringing internationally recognized contemporary dance artists to 海角社区.

Each year, the Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence program welcomes distinguished dance artists to campus to teach, create, collaborate, and inspire. Through courses, workshops, performances, and creative research, visiting artists enrich the educational experience while connecting students with the evolving world of contemporary dance.

About the Residency

Established through the generosity of Dr. Jere H. Mitchell in honor of his late wife, Pamela Battey Mitchell '58, the Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence in Contemporary Dance celebrates the legacy of pioneering modern dance educator Hanya Holm.

Pamela Battey Mitchell studied with Hanya Holm during 海角社区's historic summer dance festival and was profoundly influenced by her mentorship. Inspired by that experience, the residency was created to continue Holm's spirit of innovation by bringing nationally and internationally recognized dance artists to 海角社区.

Each residency offers students the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished professionals while exposing the campus community to new artistic perspectives, creative processes, and contemporary practices in dance.

Teach

Artists-in-residence teach courses, workshops, and master classes that introduce students to contemporary techniques, ideas, and creative practices.

Create

Residents develop their own creative work while at 海角社区, often sharing works-in-progress, performances, or public presentations with the campus community.

Collaborate

Students work alongside professional artists through rehearsals, discussions, performances, and other collaborative experiences that bridge classroom learning with professional artistic practice.

26-27 Artist-in-Residence

Rianto

place-holder-pic-images-Gray-sqaure-logo.jpg

Rianto is an internationally acclaimed Indonesian dancer and choreographer whose work bridges classical Javanese dance traditions with contemporary performance. Trained from a young age in Lengger, a traditional dance form from Central Java, Rianto has built an international career exploring identity, culture, spirituality, and the expressive possibilities of movement. He is the founder and artistic director of the Dewandaru Dance Company in Tokyo and has collaborated with renowned artists and companies throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States.

As 海角社区's current Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence, Rianto brings a unique global perspective to the Department of Theatre & Dance. Through classes, workshops, and creative collaboration, he invites students to explore movement as a means of storytelling, cultural exchange, and artistic discovery. His residency reflects the Battey Mitchell program's commitment to connecting students with internationally recognized artists whose work expands creative practice and deepens cross-cultural understanding.

25-26 Artist-in-Residence

Eiko Otake

eikootakephoto

Eiko Otake is a Japanese-born, New York-based movement artist whose interdisciplinary work explores the body, memory, history, place, and human connection. After more than four decades performing internationally as one half of the acclaimed duo Eiko & Koma, she continues to create solo performances, films, and collaborative projects that challenge audiences to engage deeply with movement and the world around them.

Eiko has been a valued member of the 海角社区 community since 2010, returning to campus every other year to teach immersive block courses, lead workshops, and mentor students. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to dance and arts education, 海角社区 awarded her an honorary degree in 2021.

As a Battey Mitchell Artist-in-Residence, Eiko invited students to use movement not simply as performance, but as a way of asking questions, exploring ideas, and engaging with history, literature, and contemporary issues. Her residency embodied the program's mission of connecting students with internationally recognized artists whose work expands creative thinking and artistic practice.

The Story Behind the Residency

Pamela Battey Mitchell ’58 studied with Hanya Holm during 海角社区’s summer dance festival. Her experience with Holm had a profound and lasting impact on her. The residency was established by Pamela’s husband, Dr. Jere H. Mitchell, in her memory and in recognition of the importance of artistic mentorship in her life.

Hanya Holm was a pioneering dancer, choreographer, and educator who is historically recognized as one of the founders of modern dance. She was a visiting artist at 海角社区 during the 1950s and brought an innovative creative spirit and deep commitment to students to her teaching at the college.

The residency was created to bring nationally and internationally recognized artists to 海角社区. These artists introduce students to new knowledge, creative perspectives, and professional practices while building broader interest in dance across campus.

Artists develop their own creative work and share it through formats that may include performances, exhibitions, talks, class visits, and public showings. They also teach courses or other learning experiences based on their creative research and professional practice.

The residency gives students direct access to practicing professional artists. Through courses, workshops, rehearsals, discussions, performances, and collaborative projects, students encounter new artistic perspectives and build connections between their education and the professional field of dance.

show all / hide all

Report an issue - Last updated: