The UT Martin dance education program celebrated 21 years as a part of the curriculum in its fall 2025 showcase, “Lyft Off,” performed Nov. 19 in the Harriet Fulton Theatre in the UTM Fine Arts Building.
The UTM dance ensemble premiered “Candles of Celebration” to honor the program’s milestone of entering its third decade.
JC Burnett-Gordon is the assistant professor of dance and dance education at UT Martin.
“This work was more than choreography,” he said. “It was a tribute to the light that has guided this program for over two decades.
“That includes Dr. Carolyn Byrum, whose vision sparked the flame and set the foundation; Tiffany Glover and Alix Miller, who shaped the program’s early identity; Claudia Morris and adjunct professor Nadia Beard, who nurtured and uplifted its growth; and professor Sarah McCormick, whose 17-year era elevated excellence, artistry and innovation.”
Burnett-Gordon joined the UTM faculty last August.
PHOTO: Shown performing in the UTM dance ensemble’s “Candles of Celebration” from front to back are Carrie Rosenthal, a freshman fine arts and performing arts major from Antioch; Mage Wilke, a junior fine arts and performing arts major from Lebanon; Bridget Troogstad, a freshman fine arts and performing arts major from Chicago; Hannah Newman, a junior fine arts and performing arts major from Jackson; and Ellyn Beebe, a senior environmental and organismal biology major from Jackson. The fall showcase was performed Nov. 19 in the Harriet Fulton Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.
