Randy Duncan Named Chair of Dance Department at Arts Academy

The Chicago Academy for the Arts has named internationally recognized choreographer Randy Duncan chair of its Dance Department. In this role, Duncan will provide leadership for faculty and students, and build upon a curriculum that incorporates various dance disciplines including classes in ballet, modern and jazz technique. He also will be charged with recruiting world-renowned guest artists to choreograph works for student performances.

Chicago (PRWEB) November 22, 2007 -- The Chicago Academy for the Arts (www.chicagoartsacademy.org) has named internationally recognized choreographer Randy Duncan chair of its Dance Department. In this role, Duncan will provide leadership for faculty and students, and build upon a curriculum that incorporates various dance disciplines including classes in ballet, modern and jazz technique. He also will be charged with recruiting world-renowned guest artists to choreograph works for student performances.

Duncan has been on faculty with the Academy since 1995. He was appointed chair in September of 2007, after former Dance Chair Anna Paskevska passed away in August.

Duncan's career began at age 15 with the Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, rising from dancer to resident choreographer to artistic director. He has created works for the Joffrey Ballet, River North Chicago Dance Company, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Spectrum Dance Company (Seattle, Washington), Bat Dor Dance Company of Israel, Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble and Ballet Met of Columbus, Ohio.

His musical theater credits include numerous productions, including "Street Dreams," "West Side Story," "Carousel," "Hello Dolly," and "Guys and Dolls." His affiliation with Chicago's Goodman Theatre has helped create works such as "Zoot Suit," "The Rose Tattoo" and "Heartbreak House."

Duncan has been nominated for and has won many awards, including a Jeff nomination for his choreography for Apple Tree Theatre's production of "Once On This Island" and a 2005 Gay Chicago Magazine After Dark Award for choreography for the production of "Hello Again." He has worked in prominent regional theatres including South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, Cal; Actor's Theatre in Louisville, Ky.; and Shakespeare in Wash. D.C.

Duncan's first major motion picture, "Save the Last Dance," earned him a nomination for the American Choreography Award for dance on film. He also is a three-time recipient of Chicago's Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreographer of the Year. Other awards include the 1999 Artistic Achievement Award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters and the 1999/2000 Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Choreography.

"Anna, who led the department for 18 years, was an extraordinary teacher who was much loved by the students and faculty. She is truly missed," says Pamela Jordan, head of school. "But we are pleased to have Randy build on her legacy of excellence, as well as infuse the department with his own style and artistic expression."

Graduates of the Dance Department attend the nation's most competitive conservatories and alumni are currently dancing with the Joffery Ballet, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey Company and the Houston Ballet.

The Chicago Academy for the Arts is the only independent secondary school in Illinois that offers specialized training in the performing and visual arts. The Arts Academy provides an environment where students can immerse themselves in daily professional classes under the direction of accomplished artists, providing a context not available in traditional classrooms. Ninety-four percent of its graduates are accepted by the nation's leading colleges, universities and conservatory programs. Forty percent of Arts Academy students rely on scholarships to attend the Institution. In 2006, the school celebrated its 25th year and its designation by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a Creative Ticket-National School of Distinction for excellence in arts education. For more information, visit www.chicagoartsacademy.org.

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