Fayetteville State University’s Department of Performing and Fine Arts is proud to present the Movement is a Mindset event—a two-day celebration of dance as both an academic discipline and a powerful form of cultural expression. Held September 26-27 in the FSU Student Center, the event offers a dynamic schedule of workshops, master classes, and discussions led by nationally recognized thought leaders in dance and choreography from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Duke University, Broadway Dance Center, and more. With sessions open to all backgrounds and experience levels, Movement is a Mindset provides unique educational opportunities, practical strategies for leadership and teaching, and valuable industry insights—including a professional hip-hop class and a mock audition. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged; join this vibrant experience to connect, learn, and move together in the spirit of community and artistic excellence.

The Friday, September 26

The Friday, September 26 “Movement Is a Mindset” workshop schedule is designed to ignite both creativity and purpose for students of all backgrounds. The day begins with campus-wide networking and the energizing “Movement as a Mindset” opening session led by CADD chairperson, Dr. Kemal Nance,  laying the groundwork for dance as a tool for both personal and professional growth. Dive into morning workshops like “Rituals, Rhythms, Roots” with Shireen Dickson for an exploration of African rhythmic traditions, or embrace the vibrant atmosphere of “Caribbean Dance” with Makeda Thomas. Students with teaching ambitions will find “Dance, Education Opportunities” by Dr. Takiyah Amin and “Dance as Embodied Pedagogy” by Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown especially rewarding, offering tangible strategies to lead with empathy and confidence. After lunch, the afternoon heats up with “Contemporary Hip Hop” by André Zachery and collaborative music-making in “Dance and Shekere” with Andrea E. Woods Valdés. The day closes with a panel on re-imagining dance education and a reflective community networking session, ensuring every participant leaves inspired to move, connect, and lead.

Schedule And Other Information Available Here

Saturday, September 27

Saturday, September 27’s “Commercial Dance” experience is all about attitude, artistry, and industry engagement. Start the day strong with Clayton Barrier’s “Afro-Barre,” where classic barre technique meets rhythmic Afrobeat energy—a perfect blend for building core strength and style. Next, aspiring studio teachers and performers can catch “How to Teach Hip Hop” with Jose Velasquez. Alex Murphy’s “Afro House” opens up a world of contemporary street moves, while Peter Wilkins’ “Vogue” course delivers the essentials of stage-ready style and self-presentation. After a communal lunch, the focus shifts to the professional dance world: David Thomas and Kalito Luna of We Run This (WRT) present an audition combo class and a mock commercial audition based on real NYC industry standards. Closing out the day is a feedback and networking session, giving students the chance to showcase their talents, gain insider tips, and build lasting connections with hip-hop legends, commercial choreographers, and local dance heroes. This schedule is crafted for dancers ready to break into the business, slay auditions, and own their creative brand.

Schedule And Other Information Available Here

NOTE: the Heels class previously advertised with this line up of classe, will be reschedule to later on in the school year. The instructor suddenly became unavailable at this time