RICE DANCE THEATRE
Rice Dance Theatre is the premier student dance organization at Rice University performing contemporary styles since its founding in 1970.
Rice Dance Theatre was formed as a student contemporary company called Rice Dance Troupe in the 70s. In 1980, Linda Phenix was hired to lead the Rice dance program and take over the troupe, later renamed Rice Dance Theatre in 1986. RDT was led by various artistic directors over the past few decades, evolving through different locations and dance styles. Since 2016, RDT has been completely student-run, joining the Club Sports roster in 2018. The predominantly contemporary/modern company has since evolved to showcase a variety of styles and will continue to offer more. RDT has showcased professional and student choreography for the Rice and Houston community and has taken two weekly classes with accomplished faculty since its founding.
PERFORMANCES
Rice Dance Theatre performs two semester showcases that highlight student and professionally commissioned choreography in a stunning performance with costume and lighting design. Previous guest choreographers include Marlana Doyle with “Sigh,” Terrill Mitchell with “Cohesion,” Joshua Manculich with “La Vie en Rose,” and more.
We collaborate with other student performance groups on campus, including our annual Fall production with Rice’s KPOP and hip-hop dance group, BASYK. Past featured groups have included: Rice Vietnamese Student Association, Rice Lions Dance Group, Rice Mariachi, Rice Bhangra, and more. We also love to raise awareness for advocacy groups on campus and in the Houston area, with our Fall 2022 showcase raising donations for the Montrose Center, an organization providing care for women and LGBTQ+ youth in the Houston area.
RDT also performs at various Rice events, including student group and university-sponsored events. We are a featured group at the annual Archi Arts architecture expo, as well as BASYK’s spring semester CYPHER collective show. Some past performances have included the Owl Days Talent Show, Project Pumpkin, collaborations with the Shepherd School, and an exhibition opening at the MFAH. We also performed in the Karole Armitage project held on Rice’s campus in April 2022.
Stay tuned for updates for upcoming performances.
CLASS SCHEDULE
RDT holds two weekly technique classes in various styles. These classes are open for Rice students to attend for a small fee, as we work to make dance accessible to students compared to prices for off-campus classes. All students are expected to wear appropriate dance attire. arrive a few minutes prior to class, and help maintain the supportive, encouraging environment RDT strives to provide.
Previous class styles include: Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Graham Technique, Jazz, Musical Theater Jazz, Hip-Hop, Street Jazz, Burlesque, and Impovisation.
Previous commissioned instructors include: Randall Flinn, Lindsay Cortner, Whylan Rucker, Dwain Travis, Courtney Chilton, Genene Wallis-McGrath, Risa D’ Souza, Dre Johnson, Karen Pfeifer, Alex Pandiscio, Joshua Manculich, Alissa LaVergne, Lori Yuill, and more.
Check back for updated class schedules at the beginning of each semester.
CONTACT US
Reach out to ask questions, inquire about booking, or register for a class.
ricedancetheatre0@gmail.com . Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center . 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
All materials Copyright Rice Dance Theatre.