Colorado Mesa University dance department welcomed a new member onto the faculty this semester. Amanda Benzin, a tap specialist, contemporary jazz teacher and performer, has swept in and taken the job.
This summer, the department conducted a search for a new professor and held classes open to the students with each of the candidates.
“Amanda’s class was really light-hearted, students had a good time, and she challenged them in ways that it seems they haven’t had before,” dance professor Meredith Lyons said.
Benzin has a professional dancing career and experience teaching. Before coming to Colorado and receiving her MFA, she was part of the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project in Chicago. She stayed in that group for 6 years of her professional career. During this time, Benzin earned an Emmy for her performance in a documentary. The documentary was aired on PBS and was about the JRJP group. She moved to California and focused more on teaching and solo work.
The documentary was aired on PBS and was about the JRJP group. She moved to California and focused more on teaching and solo work.
“I became a dance educator because I want to teach and share my knowledge,” Benzin said. She taught at CU Boulder while earning her MFA.
Benzin brings in a large background in somatics. Somatics technique focuses more on the physical body and experience of a dancer rather than visual.
“It is important to have longevity in your career, and also versatility is a huge thing as a performer. Whatever kind of performer you are,” Benzin said. She also received a certificate in women and gender studies.
“Feminist theories and practices are something I would love to infuse that into courses here,” Benzin said. Lyons commented on what she has to offer CMU, including her somatics techniques and feminist studies.
“She can slip into our department really well while also helping add more and help offer more than what we currently have,” Lyons said.
In the Fall for Dance performance, there will be a piece choreographed by Benzin. It is a contemporary jazz dance. “I will use some of the ideas of how you dance from your organs and your bones,” Benzin said.
Benzin took over a previous professor’s tenure track and is an assistant dance professor. Her classes include different levels of tap and jazz, as well as the choreography practicums. “The students have been a joy to work with. There is a such a positive energy and focus on learning. Like sponges absorbing as much as possible,” Benzin said.
As for her own performances, she is still exploring and getting to know the dance area outside of the university in Grand Junction. “I have always done it all, taught as well as performed. I haven’t stopped any of those things. I still love performing and will continue to do that,” Benzin said. She still collaborates with colleagues and performs outside of the Grand Junction area. “She’s an active performer, teacher, educator and choreographer,” Lyons said.
