History of Dance in Albion

Albion Michigan
Event Date: January 18, 2025
Requested publication date:  IMMEDIATE
  
Albion Historical Society
509 S. Superior Street
Albion, MI  49224
www.albionhistoricalsociety.org
info@albionhistoricalsociety.org
 
Contact:  Celeste Connamacher
(517) 629-3276
 
“History of Dance in Albion” Will Honor Missy Wyss
 
ALBION, MICH. –  “History of Dance in Albion” Will Honor Missy Wyss
 
            Join the Albion Historical Society and Fluence Arts Organization at 1 pm on January 18, 2025, for a presentation, The History of Dance in Albion.  Society board member, Kristy Clement, will share the story of the dance program at Albion College, honor the legacy of dancer, teacher, choreographer, and mentor, Melissa "Missy" Wyss, and illustrate the impact that dance and movement had on the Albion community.   The talented and influential dancer, choreographer, and educator, John Parks, will be a special guest speaker at this event.  Parks's involvement in the program was key to its success and development.

            Parks has trained and performed professionally with the dance companies of many notable choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Jose Limon, Donald McKayle, Anna Sokolow, and Pearl Primus.   He has directed, choreographed, performed and lectured throughout the United States as well as Europe, Africa, and China. Parks and Wyss were connected through the Readers' Digest Affiliate-Artists Program, and Parks spent a year-long residency at Albion College that marked the fruition of the dance program at the college. Through the Affiliate-Artists Program, he designed his own one-man show that toured the United States and Africa. John Parks is currently an Associate Instructor of Dance at the University of South Florida where he has been teaching for over 30 years.

            The event will take place at Herrick Theatre on the Albion College campus at 405 S. Hannah Street, Albion.  Admission is free.   Fluence Arts Organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, newly formed in 2024, with the mission of exposing community members to examples of dance arts and encouraging cultural, educational, economic and community growth and development through the art of dance. Learn more at www.fluencearts.com or by calling the Albion Historical Society (517) 629-5100.